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How to Identify Asbestos In the past century asbestos was utilized in a variety of products, to make them stronger, more resistant to fire and less expensive. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Some of these diseases have a long latency period. This means it is difficult for people to detect the issue before it's late. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is an assortment of naturally occurring minerals. They were used in building materials due to their corrosion-resistant, fireproof and insulation properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can create health risks. It is common for them to cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until years, even decades, after the first exposure. They're frequently confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos. The most commonly used method to identify asbestos is through medical tests that look for lung disease. These tests typically include a physical examination including chest X-rays, tests for pulmonary function. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed using these tests on their own, since they must be paired with a thorough patient history that examines a person's home, work and their cultural surroundings. It's possible to detect asbestos in a vast range of building products and materials, including cement products paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos is difficult for people to detect because the fibers are so tiny and light. They can effortlessly float through the air and breathe without anyone noticing. They don't have any distinctive smells, either. You can collect a small sample if you suspect that an item is contaminated with asbestos. This should only be done by a certified 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). A list of accredited laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site. It's quite easy to alter the asbestos in a way, and the risk of doing so is much higher for certain groups of people. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are at risk of exposure to asbestos when they work on renovations or maintenance. clearwater asbestos attorneys 's a good idea for anyone who works in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness training course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and can make the right precautions. Take Samples A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. The sample could be taken by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but care must be taken to limit the formation of dust that contains asbestos both when collecting the sample and while cleaning up afterwards. The person who takes the sample will normally require an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters, a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls as protection. They must also wear a respirator that complies with AS/NZS1716:2003 Respiratory protective devices when performing the task. It is recommended to take samples on an unwinding day. windy, and then shut off the cooling or heating system. This will limit the risk of airborne asbestos particles. When you collect the sample, make sure that the area is sealed and that pets and children can enter. Clean the area to be sampled using a damp rag and clean the tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it has been completed. Place the rag into a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the re-sealable bag containing the sample inside a second plastic bag, and seal it all before declaring it asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet made of plastic over the area that needs to be cleaned. Then, wet it down once more. This will trap any fibres that are released. Asbestos samples are typically collected through a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is essential to ensure that the cassette doesn't be suffocated with dust. This can obscure the fibres and bias the results. If the sample is taken in an area with high levels of dust that is non-fibrous, a smaller volume of air can be used. While most research is focused on long asbestos fibers but epidemiological studies have found that exposure to short asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer as well. This indicates that size is just one of the factors that affect the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other factors like chemical properties like dispersion staining, dispersion polarization and etching times are also involved. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are spread or disturbed they can be airborne. When inhaled, the microscopic fibers may cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma aswell in other neurological and respiratory disorders. Many symptoms may manifest after 20 to 50 years. Infrequently disturbed asbestos does not pose the risk of health hazards, but when materials like insulation, shingles, or flooring are damaged or worn out, they can release the harmful fibers. This could happen during a renovation or demolition project, as well as in normal use of the home or aging. If you're planning to make changes to your home, ask your local health or environment department to determine if the structure is contaminated with asbestos. If asbestos is discovered in your home, you must have it inspected before any work is started by an accredited asbestos inspector. When you're renovating an older home, make sure any contractors you choose to hire have the necessary credentials. They should be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report that includes an evaluation of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also specify the contractor's intention to remove or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs are possible on some ACM. However only a professional who is trained in asbestos handling safely should attempt these. No matter what type of repair, the area should be isolated from the rest of the house and any equipment or clothing should be put in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to keep fibers from being released into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The process begins by soaking the materials so that they can be cut or scraped with different tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. Then they place the material in durable, leakproof air-tight containers for safe disposal. Repairing or Removing Asbestos Asbestos is resistant against corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for a myriad of products including wallboards insulation, fireproofing and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory issues 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 many areas of a house such as roof shingles, cement pipes, floor and ceiling tiles as well as joint compound made of asbestos. Be sure to check these areas for water damage or abrasions. If the material is little damaged, it might be safe to touch or disturb. However should the material be in need of repair or you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you need to seek out an asbestos expert. They can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also provide information on what changes are required and who's qualified. You should only let these experts handle asbestos. Some of these professionals have specialized training in specific products, and only they should perform corrective work on them. You can also contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos training programs available in your area. Be aware of companies who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms could be dangerous as they encourage unneeded removals or make them in a way that isn't properly done which increases the risk of the release of harmful fibers. The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. It is important to thoroughly research the company before hiring an asbestos expert to ensure that the company is properly certified and insured. You can ask for references from previous clients as well as proofs of insurance and accreditation. You should also check with your local or state health and environmental agencies for the appropriate steps to follow if plan to remodel your home.