How to Identify Asbestos

Over the course of the last century asbestos was used in a myriad of products to make them more durable, less prone to fire and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Some of these diseases have a long latency period. This makes it difficult to identify a problem before it's too late.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos can be described as a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were used in building materials due to their anti-corrosive, fire-proof and insulating properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could pose health risks. It is common for them to cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases do not manifest until years, if not decades after the first exposure. They're frequently misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It is essential that people know how to recognize asbestos.

The most commonly used method to detect asbestos is via medical tests that check for lung diseases. These tests include physical exams as well as chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be identified by these tests alone, as they have to be taken with a thorough history of the patient that examines a person's home, work and social environment.

It's possible to detect asbestos in a vast variety of building products and materials, including cement products flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, asbestos Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. However, asbestos is difficult to identify because the fibers that pose danger are so small and light that they may easily float in the air and inhale without being noticed. They don't have any distinct smells either.

If you suspect a material could be contaminated with asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. This should be done by a qualified professional, because the process of removing asbestos is complex and requires specialized equipment. Patch the sample using duct tape to avoid the release of fibers, and take it to an asbestos legal analysis lab accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website provides a list of accredited labs.

Certain categories of people are more at risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure in maintenance and renovations. It's recommended for anyone who works in these areas to complete an asbestos awareness training course to be aware of the risks and can use the proper precautions.

Taking Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. This sample can be taken by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, however care must be taken to limit the formation of dust containing asbestos that is airborne throughout the collection of 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 complies with AS/NZS1716:2003 Respiratory protective equipment while carrying out the task. It is recommended to conduct the collection of samples on a non windy day and make sure that heating or cooling systems are off, so that there is less chance of release of asbestos particles from the air. particles.

When collecting the sample, make sure that the area is sealed and that no children or pets can enter. Clean the area to be sampled with a damp rag and 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 bag and the sample into a second plastic bag. Seal it all before marking it as asbestos waste. Place a plastic dropsheet over the area to be cleaned, and then wet it down again. This will trap any fibres released.

Asbestos samples are typically collected by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is essential to ensure that the cassette does not get stuffed with dust. This can block out the fibres and alter the results. If the sample is being taken in an area with high amounts of dust that is not fibrous smaller volumes of air can be utilized.

The epidemiological studies found that short asbestos fibres 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 factors like chemical properties, dispersion staining, polarization and etching times are as well.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed, they can become airborne. These microscopic fibers, once inhaled, may cause lung diseases. They could cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other neurological and respiratory issues. The time of onset for many symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Unaltered asbestos is not a health hazard, but when flooring, shingles, or insulation are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can occur during a renovation or demolition project, or even during normal home usage or aging.

If you're planning to redesign your home, you should ask your local health or environmental officials to determine if the structure is contaminated with asbestos. If asbestos is found in your home, it is recommended to have it inspected before any work begins by an asbestos inspector who is accredited.

When renovating an older home ensure that the contractors you hire have required credentials. 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 friability. The survey should also state whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs can be made on some ACM. However only a professional who is educated in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. No matter what type of repair, the affected area should be isolated from the other areas of the house, and any equipment or clothing should be stored in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from emitting fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats the fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated pipes, or to cover old shingles.

Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. The process begins by wetting the materials to allow them to be cut or scraped with various tools without releasing the hazardous fibers. The material is then placed in airtight, tough containers that are leakproof.

Repairing or Removing Asbestos

Asbestos is impervious to heat and corrosion and has been an extremely useful component in many different products like wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that could cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This can impact breathing and cause serious health issues.

Asbestos is found in many areas of a house including roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles and joint compound that is made up of asbestos. It is important to inspect these areas regularly for any tears, abrasions, or water damage. A little damaged material could be safe as long as it's not manipulated or smashed. However it is damaged or you are planning to make changes in your home that could disturb it, you must seek out an asbestos expert.

These experts can perform an inspection visually and also take samples. They can also offer advice about what corrections need to be done and who is qualified to carry out them. It is essential to have only experts handle your asbestos. They have been trained in specific asbestos products and should be allowed to correct the problem.

You can also contact your local or State 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. Be aware of the many companies that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies can be risky because they encourage unnecessary removals or make them in a way that isn't properly done and increase the risk of the release of harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional, it is important to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure it's certified and insured. You can also request references from past clients as well as proofs of insurance and accreditation. It is also recommended that you consult your state or local health and environmental authorities to find out what procedures must be followed if planning to perform any type of remodeling within your home.