How to Identify Asbestos

In the past century asbestos was used in a variety of products, to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. But exposure to asbestos in the air fibers can cause lung disease like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Some of these illnesses can have a long time of latent. It's hard to spot a problem until it's too long gone.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials since they are fire retardant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulate. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can pose health risks. This often causes diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can take years, or even decades, to display their symptoms. They are often mistaken as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's essential for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos.

The most common way to detect asbestos is through medical tests that check for lung disease. These tests usually consist of a physical examination as well as chest X-rays, and tests for pulmonary function. However, asbestos-related illnesses aren't diagnosed by using these tests alone, as they must be paired with a thorough health history which includes a thorough examination of a person's home, work and their cultural surroundings.

Asbestos is found in a wide range of building products and materials, including cement, paints and floor tiles. It can also be found in doors, insulation, partitions, cladding, and Artex. However, asbestos can be difficult to recognize since the dangerous fibers are so small and light that they could easily flounder in the air and breathed in without being recognized. They don't have any distinctive smells, either.

If you suspect a material might contain asbestos, you can take an atom of it. This should be done by a qualified professional, because the process of removing asbestos is complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site.

Certain groups of people are at a greater risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. This includes plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, since they are most likely to come across asbestos settlement-containing products during maintenance and renovations. Anyone working in these fields should attend an asbestos case awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and know how to take the proper precautions.

Take Samples

To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection, a sample from the suspected material is required. The sample can be collected by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, however caution must be taken to minimize the production of dust that contains asbestos both during the collection of the sample and when cleaning up after. The person who collects the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls as protection. While carrying out the task, they must wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to collect samples on a day that is not windy and turn off the cooling or heating system. This will help reduce the airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample, be sure the area is completely sealed off and that no pets or children are allowed to enter. The area to be sampled with a damp rag, and clean the tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it is completed. Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it at an asbestos-free disposal facility that is licensed. Place the re-sealable bag with the sample inside a second plastic bag, then seal it before declaring it asbestos waste. The area will be cleaned a second time, and place a plastic drop sheet over it, to catch any fibres that escape.

Asbestos is usually collected using a pre-assembled pump as well as a cassette system. It is essential to ensure that the cassette doesn't get overloaded with dust. This could block fibers and distort results. If the sample is collected in an area with significant levels of nonfibrous dust may be necessary to utilize a smaller volume of air.

The epidemiological studies showed that short asbestos fibres can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This indicates that size is not the only one factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other parameters like chemical properties and dispersion staining, polarization, and etching time are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

Asbestos fibers can become airborne when they are disturbed or spread. When inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause lung diseases. They can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other neurological and respiratory problems. The time of onset for many symptoms can range between 20 and 50 years after exposure.

Undisturbed asbestos does not pose any health risks, but when the materials used for insulation, shingles, and flooring are damaged or worn out they may release harmful fibers. This can occur during a demolition or renovation project, as well as in normal home use or the aging process.

If you are planning to renovate your home, you should ask your local health or environmental officials if the building contains asbestos. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered to be asbestos-containing, it must be inspected by an asbestos-certified inspector before any work can begin.

When renovating an older home, make sure any contractors you choose to hire have the necessary qualifications. They should be able provide an asbestos lawyer survey and report which includes an evaluation of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their friability. The survey should also state the contractor's intention to remove or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs are feasible on certain ACM. However, only a professional who is trained in asbestos handling safely is able to tackle these. Whatever the kind of repair, the area must be isolated from the rest of the house and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and labeled with a warning so as 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 becoming airborne. This can be done to insulated pipe or to cover old shingles.

Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a structure. The materials are initially soaked to allow them to be cut using a variety of tools without releasing harmful fibers. Then, they place the materials in durable, leak-proof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal.

Repairing or removing Asbestos

Asbestos is invulnerable to heat and corrosion and has been an extremely useful material for hundreds of products, including wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This can affect breathing and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos can be present in a variety of places within an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles, roofing shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears. If the material is only slightly damaged, it could be safe to touch or move. However should the material be damaged or you are planning to make changes in your home which could cause disturbance to it, seek out an asbestos expert.

These experts can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also offer suggestions on what adjustments are required and who qualifies. It is crucial to have only these experts handle your asbestos. Some of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific products, and only they 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 learn about asbestos training programs available in your region. Also, be aware that there are firms which falsely claim they specialize in asbestos removal. These firms pose a threat since they promote or perform unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the risk of harmful fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. It is important to conduct a thorough investigation of the company before hiring an asbestos professional to ensure that the company is fully insured and certified. You can also request references from previous clients along with proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also inquire with your state or local health and environmental departments for the appropriate procedures to follow if you plan to remodel your home.