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How to Identify Asbestos

In the past century asbestos was used in a variety of products to make them more durable, fire resistant and less costly. However, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers could cause lung diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Some of these diseases can be chronically latent. It’s hard to spot a problem until it’s too far gone.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials as they are fire resistant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulation. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can be harmful to health. It is common for them to cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases do not appear until years, even years after the initial exposure and are often mistaken for flu-like symptoms. This is why it’s important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos.

Tests for medical conditions that detect lung disease are the most popular method to find asbestos. These tests usually include a physical examination, chest X-rays and lung function tests. These tests aren’t sufficient to identify asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a comprehensive history of the patient that includes details about the patient’s work, home, and the culture of their environment.

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of building products and materials, including cement, paints, and floor tiles. It is also present in doors, insulation and partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos is difficult to identify because the fibers that pose danger are so small and light that they may easily flounder in the air and breathed in without being detected. They also don’t emit any distinct smells.

If you suspect a material could be contaminated with asbestos, you can collect one of the samples. It is imperative that only a professional is able to remove asbestos, since it is an intricate process that requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website has an inventory of accredited laboratories.

It’s very easy to accidentally cause harm to asbestos, and the risk of doing this is more pronounced for certain groups of people. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure when they work on renovations or maintenance. Anyone working in these fields should attend an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and know how to take the proper precautions.

Take Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. This sample can be taken by a professional asbestos attorney consultant or by the homeowner, but careful consideration should be taken to limit the formation of airborne asbestos containing dust both when collecting the sample as well as when cleaning up afterwards. The person who collects the sample should have an HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. When they are performing the task they must wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to carry out the collection of samples on a non windy day and make sure that cooling or heating systems are turned off, as this will minimise the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles.

When collecting the sample make sure the area is completely sealed and that no children or pets can enter. Clean the area to be sampled using a damp rag and clean any tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it has been completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the resealable container and the sample in a separate plastic bag. Secure it all before marking it asbestos waste. Wet down the area to be cleaned a second time and place a drop sheet over it to collect any fibres that escape.

Asbestos is typically removed using a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is essential to ensure that the cassette doesn’t get stuffed with dust. This can block out the fibres and bias the results. If the sample is taken from an area that has high levels of non-fibrous dust, a smaller volume of air can be utilized.

The epidemiological research found that asbestos fibres that are short can also trigger mesothelioma or lung cancer. This suggests that size is only one of the factors influencing the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other parameters like chemical properties like dispersion staining, polarization, and etching times are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

Asbestos fibers may become airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, may cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma, as well with other neurological and respiratory conditions. Many symptoms can appear in the 20 to 50 years following.

Unaltered asbestos isn’t an hazard to health, but when the materials like flooring, insulation, and shingles are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, or even during normal home use or as a result of aging.

If you plan on remodeling your home, you should consult local environmental or health officials to see if your building is made up of asbestos materials. If asbestos is found then it should be examined by an asbestos-certified inspector prior to beginning any work.

When you’re planning to renovate an older home ensure that the contractors you employ have the required credentials. They must be able provide an asbestos survey and report that includes an assessment of the condition and condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their brittleness. The survey should indicate whether or the contractor will be removing the ACM.

Minor repairs can be made on some ACM. However only a professional certified in asbestos safety should attempt these. No matter what repair you make the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be put into plastic bags and marked with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a way that binds and seals the fibers to ensure they don’t become airborne. This can be done to insulated pipe or to cover old shingles.

Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. This is accomplished by wetting the materials so that they can be scraped or cut using various tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. The material is then placed in airtight, sturdy containers that are leakproof.

Removing or replacing Asbestos

Asbestos is invulnerable to corrosion and heat, which has made it an extremely useful component in thousands of products such as walls, fireproofing materials and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an irritant that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers get lodged in the lungs and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can make breathing difficult and cause serious health issues.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of areas of the home, including ceiling and floor tiles roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe as long as it’s not manipulated or damaged. However should the material be in need of repair or you plan to make changes to your home that could affect it, consult an asbestos professional.

They can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also give you information on what changes are needed and who is qualified. It is best to let professionals handle asbestos. These professionals are trained in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them.

In addition to consulting a trained asbestos professional and contacting your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on asbestos compensation training programs in your area. Be aware that there are companies that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms pose a threat as they encourage or conduct unneeded removals, which increase the risk of harmful fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the company before hiring an Asbestos settlement expert to ensure it is appropriately insured and certified. You can also request references from previous clients, as and proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended that you examine your state’s or local health and environmental agencies to determine what guidelines are required if you’re planning to do any remodeling in your home.