How to Identify Asbestos

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

Some of these diseases have a long latency period. It's difficult to identify an issue until it's long gone.

Identifying Asbestos

asbestos litigation is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials due to the fact that they are fire resistant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulation. However, it could cause health problems when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. This often causes diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take years, or even decades, to manifest their symptoms. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to know how to identify asbestos.

Medical tests to check for lung diseases are the most popular method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests include physical exams, chest X-rays, and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be diagnosed with these tests alone, as they need to be combined with a thorough patient history that examines a person's work, home and their cultural surroundings.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of construction products and materials, including cement, paints, and floor tiles. It can also be found in insulation, doors and partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos can be difficult to recognize since the harmful fibers are tiny and light that they may easily float in the air and then be breathed in without being observed. They don't possess any distinct smells or odors.

You can take a tiny sample if you suspect that the material you are looking at contains asbestos. It is imperative that only a professional can remove asbestos since it's an extremely complex process that requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website provides a list of accredited laboratories.

Certain groups of people are at greater danger of accidentally touching asbestos. These include construction workers, plumbers and electricians, because they are likely to see asbestos-containing items during maintenance and renovations. It is a good idea for anyone who works in these fields to take an Asbestos Settlement awareness 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 an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is important to be careful not to create asbestos-containing dust that is airborne during the collection and cleaning process. The person who takes the sample will usually require an air vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a spray bottle of water, and disposable coveralls for protection. They must wear a respirator that complies with AS/NZS1716:2003 Respiratory protective equipment while carrying out the task. It is best to collect samples on an occasion that isn't windy and shut off the cooling or heating system. This will reduce the risk of airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample, make sure that the area is fully closed off and that any children or pets are not allowed to enter. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled with a damp rag and clean the 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 approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the resealable container and the sample into a second plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before marking it as asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet made of plastic over the area to be cleaned. Then, wet it again. This will capture any fibres released.

Asbestos is typically filtered using an already-assembled pump and cassette system. It is vital that the cassette is not filled with dust since this could block the fibres on the filter and create distortion in the result. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of dust that is non-fibrous, the smaller volume of air could be employed.

The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres of short length could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. This indicates that size is not the only one of the factors influencing the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other factors like chemical properties such as polarization, dispersion staining and etching times are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed they can be airborne. These microscopic fibers, when inhaled, can cause lung disease. These can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other neurological and respiratory issues. The latency period for many symptoms can take anywhere between 20 and 50 years after exposure.

Undisturbed asbestos does not pose an health risk, however when insulation, shingles, and flooring are damaged or worn out they may release harmful fibers. This can happen when you are working on a renovation or demolition project, or in normal use of the home or when the material ages.

If you plan on remodeling your home, you should consult local environmental or health officials to determine if the building is made up of asbestos materials. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered and inspected, you must have it checked by an asbestos inspector who is accredited before you begin any work.

If you're planning to renovate an older property, make sure that any contractors you employ are licensed and certified. They should be able supply an asbestos report and survey that includes an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should state whether or not the contractor will remove the ACM.

Minor repairs are possible on certain ACM. However only a professional certified in asbestos handling safely should attempt these. No matter what kind of repair is made it is essential that the area be sealed from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be put in plastic bags and marked with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from releasing fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation), also known as encapsulation, is the process of treating the material in a manner that binds and seals the fibers so they don't become airborne. This can be done on insulated piping, 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 various tools without releasing harmful fibers. The materials are then placed in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof.

Removing or fixing Asbestos

Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion. This makes it an ideal product for thousands of uses including wallboards insulation, fireproofing, and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an irritant that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers are trapped in the lungs and can lead to tissue inflammation and scarring, which can make breathing difficult and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos can be found in numerous areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. It's important to check these areas regularly for tears, abrasions or damage. If the material is slighty damaged, it might be safe to touch or even disturb. If the material needs to be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, then consult an asbestos expert.

These professionals can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also give you information on what changes are required and who qualifies. You should only let these experts handle asbestos. They are certified in specific products and should only be permitted to correct them.

In addition to consulting with an asbestos claim-certified asbestos professional and contacting your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for information about asbestos-related training programs in your region. Beware of firms that claim to be specialists in asbestos removal. These firms pose a threat because they encourage 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 research the company thoroughly before hiring an asbestos professional to ensure it is fully insured and certified. You can also ask for references from previous clients as well as confirmation of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also consult your state or local health and environmental agencies for the proper procedures to follow when you are planning to renovate your home.