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How to Identify Asbestos
In the last century, asbestos was used to make a myriad of products stronger and more resistant to fire and cheaper. Inhaling asbestos fibers in the air can lead to lung disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Some of these diseases have a long latency period. It's difficult to identify a problem until it's too far gone.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is a range of naturally occurring minerals. They were once used in building materials for their anti-corrosive, fire-proof and insulating properties. It could, however, cause health problems when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. It is common for them to cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take years, or even decades, to manifest their symptoms. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos.
Tests for medical conditions that detect lung diseases are the most common way to detect asbestos. These tests include physical examinations, chest X rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses aren't diagnosed using these tests on their own, since they must be paired with a thorough health history that looks at a person's home, work and their cultural surroundings.
It's possible to find asbestos in a wide range of building materials and materials that include cement products, flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos is difficult to spot because the fibers are so small and light. They are able to easily glide throughout the air and then inhale without anyone noticing. They don't possess any distinct smells either.
You can take a tiny sample if you suspect an item is contaminated with asbestos. This should only be done by a trained 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 provides the list of accredited laboratories.
Certain categories of people are at greater risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. These include construction workers, plumbers and electricians, as they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials during maintenance and renovations. Anyone who works in these fields should take an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and how to take the proper precautions.
Take Samples
For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material in question is required. The sample can be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is crucial to be careful not to create asbestos-containing dust that is airborne during the collecting and cleaning process. Typically, the person who is taking the sample should carry a vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. They should wear a respirator that conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective devices while carrying out the task. It is best to take samples on the day that isn't windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will limit the exposure of asbestos-containing airborne particles.
When collecting the sample, make sure the area is completely sealed and that no children or pets can enter. Wet down the area to be sampled using an abrasive rag, then clean any tools and equipment used once the sampling has been completed. Place the cloth in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos-free disposal facility that is licensed. Place the resealable container and the sample inside a second plastic bag. Secure it all before marking it as asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area to be cleaned. Then, wet it again. This will catch any fibres that escape.
Asbestos is typically filtered using a pre-assembled pumps and cassette system. It is essential to ensure that the cassette does not become overloaded with dust. This could obscure the fibres and bias the results. If the sample was taken in an area with high levels of nonfibrous dust could be necessary to use smaller volumes of air.
The epidemiological studies found that asbestos fibres with a shorter length could also cause mesothelioma, or lung cancer. This suggests that size is just one factor that influences asbestos fibers' pathogenicity and that other parameters such as chemical properties, polarization, dispersion staining and etching times are as well.
Identifying Professionals
Asbestos Settlement fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or spewed out. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological disorders. Many symptoms may manifest 20 to 50 years later.
Undisturbed asbestos does not pose the risk of health hazards, but when materials like insulation, shingles and flooring become damaged or degraded and release harmful fibers. This can happen during a demolition or renovation project, or in normal use of the home or aging.
If you're planning to make changes to your home, inquire with your local health or environmental department if the building contains asbestos. If asbestos is found, have it inspected by an accredited asbestos inspector before any work can begin.
When you're renovating an older home be sure that any contractors you hire have proper credentials. They should be able provide an asbestos survey and report which includes an assessment of the condition of any asbestos claim-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also indicate the contractor's intention to remove or leave the ACM intact.
Minor repairs might be possible on certain ACM repairs, but only a trained professional who knows the techniques for safely handling asbestos should attempt them. No matter what type of repair, the site should be sealed off from the surrounding area and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.
Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) is also referred to as encapsulation, is the process of treating the material in a manner that binds and seals the fibers, ensuring that they don't become 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 soaked in order to enable them to be cut with various tools without releasing harmful fibers. They then place the material in durable, leak-proof air-tight containers for safe disposal.
Repairing or removing Asbestos
Asbestos is abrasive to corrosion and heat which makes it an extremely useful ingredient in thousands of products such as wallboard, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an irritant that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This could affect breathing and lead to serious health issues.
Asbestos is found in numerous areas of the home, including floor and ceiling 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 disturbed or touched. If the material needs to be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home that could cause disturbance to it, then seek advice from an asbestos professional.
These professionals can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also give you guidance on the corrective measures required and who qualifies. It is important to let these experts manage your asbestos. They are educated in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them.
It is also recommended to contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos lawsuit-related training programs that are available in your region. Also, be aware of companies which falsely claim they specialize in asbestos removal. These companies are risky because they encourage or carry out unnecessary removals, increasing the risk of harmful fibers being released.
The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional it is essential to thoroughly research the company to ensure it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as along with proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also check with your state or local health and environmental authorities for the appropriate steps to follow if intend to remodel your home.