How to Identify Asbestos

In the last century asbestos was used to make thousands of products stronger and more resistant to fire, and less costly. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause lung disease like mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Certain diseases may have a long latent period. This makes it difficult for patients to identify the problem before it's too late.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is a range of naturally occurring minerals. They were once used in building materials because of their fire retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could pose health risks. It can cause diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases do not appear until years, even decades after the first exposure. They're frequently confused with flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos.

Medical tests that check for lung diseases are the most commonly used method to find asbestos. The tests typically consist of physical examinations, chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed using these tests alone, as they need to be combined with a thorough patient history that examines a person's work, home and cultural environment.

Asbestos is found in a variety of building products and materials, including cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also found in insulation, doors and partitions, cladding and Artex. Asbestos can be difficult to spot because the fibers are tiny and light. They can easily float through the air and breathe without anyone noticing. They also don't emit any distinct smells.

If you suspect a material might contain asbestos, you can take a sample of it. This should only be performed by a qualified professional, because the process of removing asbestos is complex and requires specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website has an inventory of accredited laboratories.

Certain categories of people are at greater chance of accidentally damaging asbestos. These include plumbers, construction workers and electricians as they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials during renovations and maintenance. It's recommended for anyone who works in these areas to take an asbestos settlement awareness training course to be aware of the risks and can take the correct precautions.

Take Samples

For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material in question is required. This sample can either be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is important to take care not to produce asbestos-containing dust in the air during the cleaning and collection process. The person who is taking the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered as well as a spray bottle filled with water, and disposable coveralls for protection. While performing the task, they must wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is best to collect samples on the day that isn't windy and turn off the heating or cooling system. This will limit the exposure of asbestos-containing airborne particles.

When collecting the sample make sure that the area is closed off and that children or pets are not allowed to enter. Clean the area to be sampled with an abrasive rag, then clean the tools and equipment used once the sampling has been completed. Place the rag into the bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the re-sealable bag with the sample inside a different plastic bag, and seal it before declaring it asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet made of plastic over the area to be cleaned and then wet it down again. This will catch any fibres that escape.

Asbestos samples are usually collected by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette does not become overloaded with dust. This can obscure fibers and affect the results. If the sample is located in an area where there are significant levels of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to utilize a smaller volume of air.

The epidemiological research found that asbestos fibres of short length could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. This indicates that size is just one factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other parameters such as chemical properties like dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are as well.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are disturbed or spread they can end up becoming airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung diseases. These can lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis, as well as other respiratory and neurological problems. Many symptoms may manifest 20 to 50 years later.

Unaltered asbestos is not dangerous to health, however when materials like flooring, insulation, and shingles are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can occur during a demolition or renovation project, as well as when you use your home for normal activities or as the house ages.

If you are planning on transforming your home, make sure you check with local health or environmental officials to determine if the structure contains asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is found in your home, you should have it checked prior to when any work begins by an asbestos settlement inspector who is accredited.

If you're planning to renovate an older property, make sure that any contractors you employ possess the right credentials. They should be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report, which includes an assessment of the condition and condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also state whether the contractor will remove or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs are feasible on certain ACM. However, only a professional who is certified in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. No matter what type of repair you make, the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be placed into plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to keep fibers from being released into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or covers 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 from a building. The process begins by wetting the materials so that they can be scraped or cut with many tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. Then, they put the material in sturdy, leakproof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal.

Removing or fixing Asbestos

Asbestos is resistant to corrosion and heat, which has made it a very useful material in hundreds of products, including walls, fireproofing materials and auto brakes. Asbestos is a poisonous substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers get trapped in the lungs and may cause scarring and inflammation of the tissues, which can cause breathing problems and cause serious health issues.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of parts of a house such as roof shingles, cement pipes as well as floor and ceiling tiles, and joint compound that contains asbestos. It's important to check these areas regularly for any tears, abrasions or damage. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe if not touched or disturbed. However it is in need of repair or you plan to make changes in your home which could cause disturbance to it, you need to speak with an Asbestos settlement expert.

These experts can carry out an inspection of the visual as well as take samples. They can also give you advice about what corrections need to be made and who is qualified to perform them. You should only let these professionals handle asbestos. Certain of these professionals have specific training in particular products, and they are the only ones who should do corrective work on them.

In addition to consulting with a trained asbestos professional It is also recommended to contact your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on asbestos training programs in your region. Be aware of companies that falsely claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms are dangerous because they encourage or carry out unnecessary removals, increasing the possibility of harmful asbestos fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos expert it is essential to investigate the company thoroughly to make sure it's properly accredited and insured. You can also ask for references from previous clients, as well as confirmation of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended to check with your state or local environmental and health agencies to determine the procedure that should be followed when planning to perform any type of remodeling at home.