How to Identify Asbestos
In the past century asbestos was used to make thousands of products stronger, more resistant to fire and cheaper. The exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Certain diseases may be chronically latent. This makes it difficult for patients to identify an issue before it's late.
Asbestos Identification
Asbestos can be described as a variety of naturally occurring minerals. They were previously used in building materials for their corrosion-resistant, fireproof and insulating properties. It can, however, create health risks if the microscopic fibers inhaled. It can cause diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. These diseases can take years, or even decades, to show their symptoms. They are often mistaken as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos.
The most commonly used method to detect asbestos is by medical tests that look for lung disease. These tests include physical exams or chest X-rays as well as lung function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed with these tests alone, as they need to be combined with a thorough patient history that looks at a person's work, home and their cultural surroundings.
Asbestos can be found in a variety of building products and materials, such as cement, paints and floor tiles. It can also be found in doors, insulation and partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos can be difficult to recognize because the harmful fibers are small and light that they may easily float in the air and inhale without being noticed. They don't emit any distinct smells either.
If you suspect a material might contain asbestos, you can take a sample of it. This should only be done by a qualified professional, since removing asbestos is extremely complex and requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website contains an inventory of accredited laboratories.
It is very easy to accidentally damage asbestos and the chance of doing this can be much higher for certain groups of people. Plumbers, construction workers, and electricians are at risk of asbestos exposure during renovations and maintenance. It's a good idea to encourage all workers in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness course to make sure they are aware of the risks and can use the proper precautions.
Take Samples
A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be collected by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but care must be taken to reduce the amount of airborne asbestos containing dust both during the collection of the sample, and during cleaning up afterwards. Typically, the person taking the sample should be equipped with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While carrying out the task, they must wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is best to collect samples on a day that is not windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will reduce the risk of airborne asbestos particles.
When you collect the sample, make sure that the area is fully closed off and that children or pets are not allowed in. Wet down 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 into a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos disposal facility that is approved. Place the resealable bag and the sample inside a different plastic bag, then seal it all up before labelling it as asbestos waste. The area will be cleaned up again, and place a plastic drop sheet over it to catch any fibres that are released.
Asbestos is usually collected using a pre-assembled pumps and cassette system. It is important to ensure that the cassette does not be suffocated with dust. This can obscure the fibres and alter the results. If the sample is located in an area that has high levels of nonfibrous dust may be necessary to use an air sample with a smaller volume.
While lake forest asbestos attorneys is focused on asbestos fibers that are long, the epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This indicates that size is only one of the variables that influence the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other factors such as chemical properties like dispersion staining, polarization, and etching time are also involved.
Identifying Professionals
Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed, or spread. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can trigger lung disease. These can lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis, as well as other neurological and respiratory issues. The latency period for many symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure.
Infrequently disturbed asbestos does not pose any health risks, but when the materials used for insulation, shingles, or flooring are damaged or deteriorate they could release harmful fibers. This could happen when you are working on a renovation or demolition project or even in regular home usage or aging.
If you plan on remodeling your home, you should consult local health or environmental officials to determine if your home has asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is found in your home, have it checked prior to when any work begins by an asbestos inspector who is accredited.
If you're renovating an older property, make sure that any contractors you employ have the proper 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 brittleness. The survey should also indicate whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact.
Minor repairs are possible on some ACM. However only a professional who is skilled in the safe handling of asbestos should attempt these. No matter what type of repair is completed it is essential that the area be sealed off from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be put into plastic bags and labeled with a warning to avoid 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 substance that binds or coats the fibers to keep them from becoming airborne. This can be done to insulated pipes or to cover old shingles.
Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are first wetted so that they can be cut using various tools without releasing harmful fibers. The materials are then put in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof.
Removing or repairing Asbestos
Asbestos is impervious to heat and corrosion. This makes it a great material for a myriad of products like wallboards insulation, fireproofing and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an irritant that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs, which can be detrimental to breathing and can cause serious health issues.
Asbestos is found in many parts of your home which includes roof shingles cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound that is made up of asbestos. It's important to check these areas regularly for tears, abrasions or water damage. If the material is slightly damaged, it could be safe to touch it or disturb it. If the material has to be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home which could damage it, you must consult an asbestos expert.
These experts can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also provide advice about what corrections need to be made and who is qualified to do them. It is vital to have only these professionals handle your asbestos. Some of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific products, and they're the only ones who are qualified to perform remedial work on them.
You can also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos training programs available in your region. Be wary of companies who claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms could be dangerous because they promote unnecessary removals or do them incorrectly, increasing the danger of release of harmful asbestos fibers.
The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. It is crucial to thoroughly research the company before hiring an asbestos professional to ensure that they are properly insured and certified. You can also ask for references from previous clients as well as evidence of accreditation as well as insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you examine your state's or local environmental and health departments to find out what procedures must be followed if planning to undertake any renovations at home.