How to Identify Asbestos

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

Certain diseases have a long period of latency. It's hard to spot an issue until it's long gone.

Asbestos Identification

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were used in building materials due to the fact that they are fireproof, corrosion resistant and insulate. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can cause health hazards. This can lead to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can take years or even decades to manifest their symptoms. They are often interpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify the asbestos.

The most popular method to detect asbestos is through medical tests to look for lung diseases. These tests usually consist of a physical examination as well as chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests. These tests are not sufficient to identify asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a thorough history of the patient, which includes a person's work, residence, and the environment in which they live.

It's possible to discover asbestos in a diverse range of building products and materials such as cement paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to identify because the fibers are small and light. They can effortlessly float through the air and inhale without anyone even noticing. They don't have any distinct smells either.

If you suspect that a particular material might contain asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. This should only be done by a certified professional because removing asbestos is complex and requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website provides a list of accredited labs.

It's quite easy to alter the asbestos in a way and the chance of doing so can be much higher for certain groups of people. This includes plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, as they are likely to see asbestos-containing products during maintenance and renovations. Anyone working in these fields should attend an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and how to take the proper precautions.

Take Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. This sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However, it is important to take care not to create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the collecting and cleaning process. The person who collects the sample is likely to require an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters as well as a spray bottle filled with water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. They must also wear a respirator that conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective devices while performing the task. It is recommended to conduct the sample collection on a non stormy day. Also, ensure that heating or cooling systems are turned off, since this will reduce the release of any airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample make sure the area is completely sealed off and that no children or pets can be allowed to enter. Clean the area to be sampled with a damp rag, and clean all equipment and tools utilized after the sample is completed. Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it in an asbestos disposal facility that is approved. Place the bag that is resealable and the sample in a separate plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before labeling it as asbestos waste. Make sure to rinse the area to be cleaned up again and place a drop sheet over it to catch any fibres released.

Asbestos can be filtered with a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is crucial to ensure that the cassette is not filled with dust because this could obscure the fibres of the filter, causing an imbalance in the results. If the sample is being collected in an area with high amounts of dust that is not fibrous smaller volumes of air can be employed.

The epidemiological studies showed that asbestos fibres that are short could also cause mesothelioma, or lung cancer. This indicates that size is not the only one of the variables that influence asbestos fibers' pathogenicity and that other parameters such as chemical properties and dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are as well.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed they can end up becoming airborne. If inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers may cause asbestosis or mesothelioma aswell in other neurological and respiratory diseases. The time to develop symptoms can vary from 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Unaltered asbestos isn't dangerous to health, however when materials like flooring, shingles, or insulation are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This could happen during a demolition or renovation project or even in regular home usage or aging.

If you are planning to remodel your home, make sure you check with local officials from the environmental or health department to see if your building has asbestos-containing materials. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered and inspected, you must have it checked by an asbestos-certified inspector before any work can begin.

When renovating an older home ensure that the contractors you employ have the required qualifications. They should be able provide an asbestos report and a survey that includes an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should also state whether the contractor asbestos plans to remove or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs may be possible with certain ACM, but only a certified professional who has been trained in techniques for safely handling asbestos should attempt the repairs. Whatever the kind of repair, the affected area should be isolated from the surrounding area and any equipment or clothing should be put in plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can cover or seal ACM to prevent it from dispersing fibers into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical 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 from a building. The materials are first wetted so that they can be cut with a variety of tools without releasing harmful fibers. The material is then put in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof.

Removing or repairing Asbestos

Asbestos is resistant to corrosion and heat This has made it a very useful material in thousands of products such as wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. Asbestos can be a poisonous material that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are breathed into. Typically, these fibers get stuck in the lungs, and can cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can impair breathing and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos is found in many areas of a home such as roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound that contains asbestos. It's important to check these areas frequently for tears, abrasions or water damage. Materials that are slightly damaged can be safe if not touched or disturbed. However, if the material is damaged or you are planning to make changes to your home that might disturb it, you must speak with an asbestos expert.

These professionals can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also advise you about what corrections need to be made and who is qualified to carry out them. It is vital that you only have these experts manage your asbestos. Certain of these professionals have specialized training in specific asbestos litigation products, and only they should do corrective work on them.

You should also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos-related training programs that are available in your region. Also, be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms can be hazardous because they encourage unnecessary removals or do them incorrectly, increasing the danger of the release of harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure that it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from past clients, and also proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended to check with your local or state health and asbestos environmental departments for the correct procedures to follow if you plan to remodel your home.