How to Identify Asbestos

During the past century asbestos was used to make a variety of products stronger and more resistant to fire, and less costly. However, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Some of these diseases have a long latency period. This makes it difficult for people to identify an issue before it's late.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were previously used in building materials due to their fire retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. However, it can cause health hazards when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. This often causes diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can take years or even decades to be diagnosed. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify asbestos.

Medical tests to check for lung diseases are the most commonly used method to identify asbestos. These tests include a physical exam or chest X-rays as well as lung function tests. These tests aren't enough to diagnose asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a detailed patient history which includes information about a person's job, home, and cultural environment.

It is possible to discover asbestos in a diverse range of building materials and materials, including cement products, paints, floor tiles, 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 throughout the air and then inhale without anyone even noticing. They don't emit any distinct smells either.

You can take a small sample if you suspect that the material you are looking at contains asbestos lawyer. It is important that only a professional remove asbestos, since it is an intricate process that requires special equipment. Patch the sample using duct tape to avoid the release of fibers and send it to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site.

It's very easy to accidentally damage asbestos and the danger of doing this is much higher for certain groups of people. Plumbers, construction workers, and electricians are at risk of asbestos exposure when they work on renovations or maintenance. It is a good idea for anyone who works in these areas to take an asbestos awareness training course to be aware of the dangers and can take the correct precautions.

Take Samples

To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection an asbestos sample of the material that is suspect is required. This sample can be taken by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, but care must be taken to reduce the amount of airborne asbestos containing dust during the process of collecting the sample, and during cleaning up after. Typically the person taking the sample should be equipped with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. They must also wear a respirator which conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective devices while performing the task. It is best to take samples on an occasion that isn't windy and shut off the heating or cooling system. This will minimize the exposure of asbestos-containing airborne particles.

When collecting the sample, ensure that the area is closed off and that pets or children are not permitted in. The area to be sampled with a damp rag and wipe all tools and equipment used once the sampling has been completed. Place the rag in the bag, label it as asbestos waste and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that is resealable and the sample inside a second plastic bag. Seal it all together before marking it as asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned again and place a drop sheet over it to capture any fibres released.

Asbestos samples are typically gathered by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is essential that the cassette does not get filled with dust as this may obscure the fibres on the filter and create distortion in the result. If the sample is taken from an area that has high amounts of dust that is not fibrous a smaller air volume can be utilized.

While the majority of research focuses on asbestos fibers that are long, the epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to short asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This shows that size is not the only factor that affects asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other parameters such as chemical properties, polarization and dispersion staining, and etching time are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed they can airborne. These microscopic fibers, when inhaled, can cause lung disease. They could cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological problems. Many symptoms can be noticed within 20 to 50 years.

Infrequently disturbed asbestos does not pose any health risks, but when materials like insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged or deteriorate they could release harmful fibers. This can occur in the course of a renovation or demolition project, as well as when you use your home for normal activities or as the house ages.

If you're planning to renovate your home, make sure you check with local health or environmental officials to determine if your home contains asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is found in your home, it is recommended to get it checked before any work starts by an Asbestos Settlement inspector who is accredited.

If you're renovating an older home, be sure that the contractors you choose to hire have the proper credentials. They should be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report that includes an assessment of the state of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also indicate whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs might be possible on certain ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos should attempt them. No matter what repair is done the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be put in plastic bags and labeled 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 atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance which binds or covers the fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be done to insulated piping or to cover old shingles.

Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The process begins by wetting the materials so that they can be cut or scraped using many tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. Then, they place the materials in durable, leak-proof, air-tight containers for safe disposal.

Repairing or Removing Asbestos

Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion. This makes it a suitable material for thousands of products including wallboards, fireproofing insulation, and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers are lodged in the lungs and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can make breathing difficult and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of parts of your home, including roof shingles, cement pipes and floor and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound that contains asbestos. Be sure to check these areas for water damage or abrasions. A little damaged material could be safe if it is not disturbed or touched. If the material has to be repaired or you are planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, then you should consult an asbestos professional.

These professionals can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also offer advice on what corrections are required and who qualifies. It is essential to have only the experts handle your asbestos. Some of them have specific training in particular products, and they're the only ones who should perform corrective work on them.

You should also contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos-related programs in your region. Also, be aware of companies who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms could be dangerous as they encourage unneeded removals or perform them improperly, increasing the danger of release of harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos expert, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure that it is accredited and asbestos Settlement insured. You can ask for references from previous clients, as well as proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to examine your state's or local environmental and health agencies to find out what procedures must be followed if planning to undertake any renovations within your home.