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How to Identify Asbestos

Over the course of the last century asbestos was utilized in thousands of products to make them more durable, less prone to fire and less expensive. Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Some of these diseases have a long time of latency. This means it is difficult for people to detect an issue before it's late.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials due to the fact that they are fire-resistant, corrosion resistant and insulation. However, it can create health risks if the tiny fibers are inhaled. This often causes diseases like asbestosis and asbestos settlement mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases don't manifest until years, if not decades, after the initial exposure. They are often confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to know how to recognize asbestos.

Medical tests that check for lung diseases are the most common way to find asbestos. These tests include physical examinations as well as chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed with these tests on their own, since they require a combination with a thorough history of the patient that examines a person's home, work and the cultural context.

It's possible to find asbestos in a broad variety of building products and materials such as cement flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to spot because the fibers are small and light. They are able to easily glide through the air, and inhale without anyone noticing. They also don't emit any distinct smells.

If you suspect a material might contain asbestos, you can collect a sample of it. It is essential that only a professional can remove asbestos, since it is a complex process and requires special equipment. Patch the sample using duct tape to avoid the release of fibers and send it to an asbestos analysis lab accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site.

It's easy to accidentally damage asbestos, and the risk of doing so can be significantly higher for certain groups of people. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure during maintenance and renovations. It's a good idea to encourage all workers in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness course to be aware of the risks and can make the right precautions.

Taking Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However, it is important to be careful not to produce asbestos-containing dust in the air during the cleaning and collection process. Typically the person taking the sample should be equipped with a vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to collect samples on a day that is not windy and shut off the cooling or heating system. This will minimize the release of airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample make sure that the area is fully closed off and that any children or pets are not allowed in. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled using an abrasive rag, then clean all equipment and tools that were used after the sample has been completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos-free disposal facility that is licensed. Place the re-sealable bag with the sample inside a second plastic bag, then seal it all up before labelling it as asbestos waste. Wet down the area to be cleaned up again, and place a plastic drop sheet over it to capture any fibres released.

Asbestos is typically removed using a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is important that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, as this may obscure the fibres of the filter and cause an unintended bias in the outcome. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of dust that is non-fibrous, smaller volumes of air can be employed.

The epidemiological studies showed that short asbestos fibres can also trigger mesothelioma or lung cancer. This suggests that size isn't the only factor in determining asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other parameters such as chemical property, polarization, dispersion staining, as also the time to etch are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed they can be airborne. When inhaled, the microscopic fibers may cause lung diseases. These can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other respiratory and neurological problems. The latency period for many symptoms can be anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Asbestos that is not disturbed does not pose any health risks, but when insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged or worn out they could release harmful fibers. This can occur during a renovation or demolition project or even during normal home use or as a result of aging.

If you are planning to redesign your home, you should ask your local health or environmental officials whether the building has asbestos. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered to be asbestos-containing, it must be inspected by an asbestos inspector who is accredited prior to beginning any work.

If you are planning to renovate an older house, ensure that the contractors you hire are licensed and certified. They should be able provide an asbestos survey and report that contains an assessment of the state of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their brittleness. The survey should also indicate whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs can be made on some ACM. However only a professional who is certified in asbestos handling safely is able to tackle these. Regardless of the type of repair, the area must be kept separate from the surrounding area and any contaminated equipment or clothing must be put in plastic bags and marked with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop the fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats the fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated piping or to cover old shingles.

Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The process begins by soaking the materials to allow them to be cut or scraped using many tools without releasing the hazardous fibers. Then, they place the materials in sturdy, leak-proof air-tight containers for safe disposal.

Repairing or removing Asbestos

Asbestos is resistant to heat and corrosion which makes it a very useful material in thousands of products such as wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs, which can impact breathing and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos Settlement is present in many areas of a house which includes roof shingles cement pipes and floor and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound made of asbestos. Be sure to check these areas for water damage or abrasions. If the material is slightly damaged, it could be safe to touch or even disturb. If the material must be repaired, or you're planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, then you should seek advice from an asbestos professional.

These professionals can perform an inspection of the visual as well as take samples. They can also provide guidance on the corrective measures required and who is certified. Only experts handle asbestos. They are trained in specific products and should be allowed to correct the problem.

You should also contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos training programs available in your region. Be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These companies pose a risk because they encourage or perform ineffective removals, which increases the possibility of harmful asbestos fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. It is crucial to research the company thoroughly before hiring an asbestos expert to ensure it is properly insured and certified. You can also request references from past clients, as well as confirmation of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you examine your state's or local health and environmental authorities to determine the procedure that should be followed if you're planning to make any changes in your home.