How to Identify Asbestos

In the last century, asbestos was used to make a myriad of products stronger, more resistant to fire and cheaper. However, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause lung disease like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Some of these diseases can have a long time of latent. It's difficult to identify the presence of a problem until it is too long gone.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is a variety of naturally occurring minerals. They were once utilized in building materials because of their corrosion-resistant, fireproof and insulating properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could create health risks. It is common for them to cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take years or even decades to show their symptoms. They are often mistaken as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos.

Tests for medical conditions that detect lung disease are the most commonly used method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests usually consist of physical examinations including chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests. These tests aren't enough to diagnose asbestos-related diseases. They should be paired with a thorough history of the patient, which includes a person's work, residence, and the culture of their environment.

Asbestos is found in a wide range of building products and materials, such as cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also found in doors, insulation, partitions, cladding, and Artex. However, asbestos is difficult to recognize since the harmful fibers are tiny and light that they may easily float in the air and inhale without being noticed. They don't have any distinct smells either.

You can take a tiny sample if you suspect that an item is contaminated with asbestos. This should only be performed by a trained professional, as removing asbestos is very complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape in order to prevent the release of fibers and send it to an asbestos analysis lab accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website has a list of accredited laboratories.

It's very easy to accidentally alter the asbestos in a way, and the risk of doing so can be significantly higher for certain groups of people. These include construction workers, plumbers and electricians as they are likely to see asbestos-containing materials in maintenance and renovations. It's a good idea for those who work in these fields to take an asbestos awareness training course to make sure they are aware of the dangers and are able to use the proper precautions.

Take Samples

To conduct asbestos litigation testing or an inspection for asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material that is suspect is required. The sample can be collected by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, however caution must be taken to minimise the generation of dust containing asbestos that is airborne throughout the collection of the sample as well as when cleaning up afterwards. The person taking the sample will typically need a HEPA-filtered air cleaner along with a spray bottle of water, and disposable covers for protection. They should also wear a respirator which is compliant with AS/NZS1716:2003 Respiratory protection devices when performing the task. It is best to carry out the sample collection on a not windy day, and ensure that heating or cooling systems are shut off, as this will minimise the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles.

When collecting the sample, make sure that the area is fully closed off and that any pets or children are not allowed into the. Clean the area to be sampled using a damp rag, and wipe all tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it has been completed. Place the rag into the bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that is resealable and the sample in a separate plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before labeling it as asbestos compensation waste. Put a dropsheet of plastic on the area that must be cleaned. Then, asbestos wet it again. This will capture any fibres that are released.

Asbestos is usually collected using an already-assembled pump and cassette system. It is crucial to ensure that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, because this could obscure the fibers on the filter and cause an imbalance in the results. If the sample is located in an area with high levels of nonfibrous dust might be necessary to use less air.

While the majority of research focuses on long asbestos fibers, the epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to short asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This proves that size is not the only factor influencing the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres. Other parameters like chemical property, polarization, dispersion staining as well as the time required to etch are also a factor.

Identifying Professionals

Asbestos fibers can become airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, can trigger lung disease. These microscopic fibers could cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well in other neurological and respiratory conditions. Many symptoms can be noticed within 20 to 50 years.

Unaltered asbestos isn't an hazard to health, but when materials such as flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they might release harmful fibers. This could happen during a demolition or renovation project, and also in normal use of the home or when the material ages.

If you plan on remodeling your home, check with local officials from the environmental or health department to see if your building contains asbestos materials. If any material is found then it should be examined by an accredited asbestos inspector before any work can begin.

If you are planning to renovate an older house, ensure that any contractors you hire are licensed and certified. They should be able provide an asbestos report and survey that contains an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The survey should indicate whether or asbestos whether the contractor will eliminate the ACM.

Repairs of minor nature are possible with certain ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional with experience in techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt the repairs. Whatever repair is completed the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be put into plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination.

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

Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The process begins by soaking the materials in order that they can be scraped or cut with different tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. The material is then placed in airtight and durable containers that are leak-proof.

Repairing or removing Asbestos

Asbestos is resistant to heat and corrosion This has made it an extremely useful material for hundreds of products, including walls, fireproofing materials and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an irritant that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs, which can be detrimental to breathing and can cause serious health issues.

Asbestos can be found in many areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. It's important to check these areas frequently for damage, tears, or damage. Slightly damaged material may be safe as long as it's not manipulated or smashed. If the material must be repaired or replaced, or you are planning to make changes to your home which could damage it, then you should consult an asbestos professional.

These professionals can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also offer advice on the corrections that must be done and who is qualified to perform them. Only professionals handle asbestos. Some of them have specific training in particular asbestos products, and only they should do corrective work on them.

It is also recommended to contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos training programs offered in your area. Be wary of companies who claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms pose a threat because they encourage or perform unnecessary removals, increasing the possibility of harmful asbestos fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional, it is important to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure that it is certified and insured. You can also request references from past clients as well as proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also check with your state or local health and environmental agencies to determine the best procedures to follow if you intend to remodel your home.