How to Identify Asbestos
During the last century, asbestos was used in a variety of products, to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers within the air can lead to lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Certain diseases have a lengthy latency time. It's difficult to identify a problem until it's too far gone.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is an assortment of naturally occurring minerals. They were used in building materials because of their fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulating properties. It could, however, cause health problems when the microscopic fibers inhaled. This can lead to diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take years, or even decades, to show their symptoms. They are often interpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos.
The most effective method to identify asbestos is through medical tests that look for lung disease. These tests usually consist of physical examinations, chest X-rays and tests for pulmonary function. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't identified by these tests on their own, since they require a combination with a thorough patient history which includes a thorough examination of a person's home, work and the cultural context.
Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials and products,
asbestos settlement including cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also found in doors, insulation and partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos is difficult to detect because the fibers that pose danger are so tiny and light that they could easily flounder in the air and inhale without being noticed. They don't also emit distinctive smells.
If you suspect a material could be contaminated with asbestos, you can collect the material as a sample. It is imperative that only a professional is able to remove asbestos, as it's complicated and requires special 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 website.
It's quite easy to alter the asbestos in a way and the danger of doing this is significantly higher for certain groups of people. This includes construction workers, plumbers and electricians, since they are likely to see asbestos-containing materials in maintenance and renovations. Any person who works in these fields should attend an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and are aware of the necessary precautions.
Take Samples
A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is essential to be careful not to create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the collection and cleaning process. The person who collects the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls as protection. When they are performing the task they must wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to carry out the sample collection on a not windy day and ensure that heating or cooling systems are turned off, as this will minimise the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles.
If you are collecting the sample, make sure that the area is fully sealed off and that pets or children are not permitted in. The area to be sampled using a damp rag and clean the tools and equipment that were used after the sample has been completed. Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it at an
asbestos Settlement disposal facility that is approved. Place the re-sealable bag with the sample inside a different plastic bag,
asbestos Settlement then seal it all before declaring it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned once again and then place a plastic drop sheet over it, to catch any released fibres.
Asbestos samples are typically collected through a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is vital that the cassette does not get overloaded with dust, since this could block the fibres of the filter and cause a bias in the result. If the sample is being taken in an area with high levels of non-fibrous dust, the smaller volume of air could be employed.
While most research is focused on long asbestos fibers, the epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to short asbestos fibres may cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well. This indicates that size is not the only one of the variables that influence the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other factors such as chemical properties and dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are as well.
Identifying Professionals
When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed, they can become airborne. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, can trigger lung disease. These microscopic fibers can trigger asbestosis or mesothelioma, as well with other neurological and respiratory diseases. The time to develop symptoms can vary between 20 and 50 years after exposure.
Unaffected asbestos is not any health risks, but when the materials used for insulation, shingles, and flooring become damaged or degraded and release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, and also in normal home use or as the house ages.
If you plan on remodeling your home, consult local health or environmental officials to determine if your home contains asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos-containing materials are found to be
asbestos case-containing, it must be inspected by an asbestos inspector who is accredited before any work can begin.
If you are renovating an older house, ensure that the contractors you hire possess the right credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos report and survey that contains an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should also include whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact.
Minor repairs are feasible on certain ACM however only a trained professional who knows the techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt these repairs. Whatever repair you make, the area must be sealed from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be put in plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination.
Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance which binds or covers 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 from a structure. The materials are first soaked to allow them to be cut using a variety of tools without releasing harmful fibers. The material is then placed in airtight, tough containers that are leak-proof.
Repairing or removing Asbestos
Asbestos is resistant to heat and corrosion This has made it an extremely useful ingredient in hundreds of products, including wallboard materials, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that could cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers become trapped in the lungs. They could cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can cause breathing problems and lead to serious health issues.
Asbestos can be present in a variety of places within a home, including ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe and
asbestos attorney-containing joint compound. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears.