How to Identify Asbestos
In the past century asbestos was used to make a variety of products stronger and more resistant to fire and less expensive. Inhaling asbestos fibers in the air can trigger lung diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Some of these diseases have a long time of latency. This makes it difficult for patients to spot the problem before it's too late.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials because they are fire retardant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulation. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could cause health hazards. This could lead to illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases don't appear until several years, or decades after initial exposure. They are often confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it's crucial for people to know how to identify asbestos.
The most effective method to detect asbestos is by medical tests that look for lung disease. These tests include physical examinations, chest X-rays, and lung function tests. These tests aren't sufficient to identify asbestos-related diseases. They should be paired with a detailed patient history which includes information about a person's job, home, and the cultural context.
Asbestos is found in a variety of construction products and materials, including cement, paints, and floor tiles. It can also be found in insulation, doors, partitions, cladding, and Artex. However, asbestos can be difficult to identify because the harmful fibers are small and light that they may easily float in the air and then be breathed in without being recognized. They don't emit any distinct smells either.
If you think a substance may contain asbestos, you can take an atom of it. It is crucial that only a professional is able to remove asbestos, since it is an extremely complex process that requires special equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape in order to prevent the release of fibers, and send it to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site.
Certain groups of people are more at risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. This includes construction workers, plumbers and electricians, because they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing products during renovations and maintenance. Anyone who works in these areas should complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the dangers and know how to take the necessary precautions.
Take Samples
A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct 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 during the process of collecting the sample and while cleaning up after. The person taking the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. They should also wear a respirator that conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective equipment while carrying out the task. It is recommended to carry out the collection of samples on a non windy day and make sure that cooling or heating systems are turned off since this will reduce the release of any airborne asbestos particles.
When collecting the sample, make sure the area is completely sealed and that pets and children are allowed to access the. After the sample has been taken clean all equipment and tools with a damp cloth. Place the rag in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it at an asbestos-free disposal facility that is licensed. Place the resealable bag and the sample in a second plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before declaring it asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area that must be cleaned, and then wet it again. This will collect any fibres that escape.
Asbestos samples are typically collected with the help of a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette is not filled with dust as this may obscure the fibers on the filter, causing an imbalance in the results. If the sample is taken from an area that has high levels of dust that is not fibrous, smaller volumes of air can be utilized.
The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres with a shorter length could also cause mesothelioma, or lung cancer. This proves that size isn't the only factor influencing the pathogenicity asbestos fibres. Other parameters, such as chemical properties, polarization and dispersion staining, and etching time are also involved.
Identifying Professionals
When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed they can airborne. These microscopic fibers, when inhaled, may cause lung disease. They could cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other neurological and respiratory ailments. Many symptoms can appear 20 to 50 years later.
Unaltered asbestos is not an hazard to health, but when the materials like flooring, shingles, or insulation are damaged, they can release harmful fibers. This could happen during a demolition or renovation project, or even during normal home usage or the aging process.
If you are planning to renovate your home, you should ask your 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 asbestos inspector who is accredited before you begin any work.
When renovating an older home ensure that the contractors you hire have the required qualifications. They must be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report that contains an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their brittleness. The survey should specify whether or the contractor will be removing the ACM.
Minor repairs are possible on some ACM. However only a professional who is educated in asbestos handling safely is able to tackle these. No matter what repair is made the area should be protected from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be placed into plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.
Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from release of fibers into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or covers the fibers to prevent them from becoming airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles.
Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. The materials are initially soaked in order to enable them to be cut with various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. The material is then put in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof.
Removing or replacing Asbestos
Asbestos is resistant to heat and corrosion, which has made it an extremely useful ingredient in thousands of products such as wallboard, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up lodged in the lungs and can lead to tissue inflammation and scarring which can impair breathing and cause serious health issues.
Asbestos is found in numerous areas of the home, including ceiling and floor tiles roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. Check these areas for water damage or abrasions. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe as long as it's not touched or disturbed. If the material has to be repaired or replaced, or you are planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, you must consult an asbestos professional.
They can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also advise you about the corrective measures that need to be made and who is qualified to make them. Only mesa asbestos attorney handle asbestos. Certain of these professionals have specialized training in specific asbestos products, and only they should perform corrective work on them.
It is also recommended to contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos training programs available in your region. Beware of companies that claim to have a specialization in asbestos removal. These firms pose a threat because they encourage or perform unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the likelihood of harmful fibers being released.
The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure that it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as well as proof of insurance and accreditation. It is also recommended to consult your state or local environmental and health departments to determine what guidelines must be followed if planning to perform any type of remodeling at home.