How to Identify Asbestos

During the last century asbestos was used in a variety of products, to make them more durable, less prone to fire and less expensive. Inhaling asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung disease such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Some of these diseases can have a long-lasting latent period. It is difficult to detect a problem until it's too far gone.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is a variety of naturally occurring minerals. They were previously used in building materials for their fire retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. It can, however, pose health risks when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. This is often the cause of diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases don't manifest until years, if not decades, after the initial exposure. They're often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify asbestos.

The most common way to identify asbestos is through medical tests that test for lung disease. These tests usually consist of a physical examination, chest X-rays and tests for pulmonary function. These tests are not enough to detect asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a detailed patient history which includes information about a person's job, home, and the culture of their environment.

It's possible to find asbestos in a broad variety of building products and materials such as cement floor tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos is difficult to identify because the fibers are so small and light. They can easily float through the air and breathe without anyone being aware. They also don't emit any distinctive smells.

You can take a small sample if you suspect the material you are looking at contains asbestos. This should only be performed by a qualified professional, as removing asbestos is very complicated 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 a list of accredited labs.

Certain groups of people are more at danger of accidentally touching asbestos. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are at risk of athens asbestos exposure when they work on renovations or maintenance. Anyone working in these fields must take an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and are aware of the right precautions.

Take Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. This sample could be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is essential to ensure that you do not generate airborne asbestos-containing dust during the cleaning and collection process. The person taking the sample is likely to require an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. They must also wear a respirator which conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory safety equipment while carrying out the task. It is recommended to collect samples on the day that isn't windy, and then shut off the cooling or heating system. This will limit the release of airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample make sure the area is completely sealed and that no pets or children can be allowed to enter. After the sample has been collected clean all equipment and tools using a damp cloth. Place the rag into a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the re-sealable bag containing the sample inside a different plastic bag, and seal it before labelling it as asbestos waste. Make sure to rinse the area to be cleaned a second time and place a drop sheet over it to collect any fibres that are released.

Asbestos samples are typically gathered by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important that the cassette is not filled with dust because this could obscure the fibers on the filter, causing an unintended bias in the outcome. If the sample is located in an area where there are large quantities of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to use less air.

The epidemiological studies found that asbestos fibres with a shorter length could also cause mesothelioma, Ridgecrest asbestos or lung cancer. This suggests that size isn't the only factor in determining asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other factors like chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining, as well as the time required to etch are also a factor.

Identifying Professionals

Asbestos fibres can become airborne when they are disturbed, or spread. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers can cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers can trigger asbestosis or mesothelioma, as well in other neurological and respiratory diseases. The time to develop symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Unaltered asbestos isn't an hazard to health, but when materials such as insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they can release harmful fibers. This can happen during a demolition or renovation project, as well as in normal home use or aging.

If you're planning to renovate your home, ask local health or environmental department whether the building is asbestos-free. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered to be asbestos-containing, it must be inspected by an accredited Ridgecrest Asbestos inspector prior to any work being started.

If you are renovating an older home, be sure that any contractors you hire possess the right credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos survey and report, which includes an evaluation of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their friability. The survey should specify whether or the contractor will be removing the ACM.

Minor repairs might be possible on certain ACM however only a professional with experience in ways to safely handle asbestos should attempt these repairs. Whatever the type of repair, the affected area should be kept separate from the rest of the home and any equipment or clothing must be put in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning so as to avoid cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal or cover ACM to stop it from dispersing fibers into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation) also referred to as encapsulation, is the process of treating the material in a way that binds and covers the fibers to prevent them from become airborne. This can be done on insulated pipes or to cover old shingles.

Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The process begins by wetting the materials to allow them to be scraped or cut with a variety of tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. Then they place the material in sturdy, leak-proof air-tight containers for safe disposal.

Repairing or Removing Asbestos

Asbestos is impervious to corrosion and heat and has been an extremely useful ingredient in hundreds of products, including wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an irritant that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs, which could affect breathing and lead to serious health problems.

Asbestos can be present in a variety of places within a home, including ceiling and floor tiles roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears. Slightly damaged material may be safe if it is not manipulated or smashed. If the material needs to be repaired, or you're planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, then consult an asbestos expert.

These experts can perform a visual inspection and also take samples. They can also give you advice about the corrective measures that need to be made and who is qualified to do them. You should only let these experts handle asbestos. These professionals are educated in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them.

In addition to consulting a trained asbestos professional and contacting your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on midlothian asbestos training programs in your region. Be wary of companies that claim to be specialists in asbestos removal. These firms can be dangerous as they encourage unneeded removals or do them incorrectly which increases the risk of the release of harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos expert it is essential to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure that it's certified and insured. You can also request references from former clients, as well as evidence of accreditation as well as insurance coverage. It is also recommended to examine your state's or local environmental and health departments to find out what procedures must be followed if planning to perform any type of remodeling in your home.