How to Identify Asbestos
During the past century asbestos was used to make thousands of products stronger, more resistant to fire, and less expensive. However, exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers can cause lung disease such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Certain diseases have a long period of latency. This means it is difficult for people to spot an issue before it's late.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were once used in building materials because they are fireproof and corrosion resistant, as well as insulating. It can, however, cause health hazards when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. This could lead to illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until years, even years after the initial exposure. They're often mistaken for flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos.
The most commonly used method to detect asbestos is through medical tests that test for lung disease. These tests include physical examinations as well as chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses aren't diagnosed by using these tests on their own, since they have to be taken with a thorough history of the patient that looks at a person's work, home and cultural environment.
It is possible to find asbestos in a broad assortment of building products and materials that include cement products floor tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. However, asbestos can be difficult to recognize since the fibers that pose danger are so small and light that they can easily float in the air and be inhaled without being observed. They don't have distinct smells either.
If you suspect a material could contain asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. This should only be done by a professional who is trained, because the process of removing asbestos is complicated and requires specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of accredited laboratories can be found on the NVLAP website.
It's easy to accidentally disturb asbestos, and the risk of doing so can be higher for certain categories of people. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure during renovations and maintenance. It's a good idea for anyone working in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness course to be aware of the dangers and use the proper precautions.
Doing Samples
To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection, a sample from the material in question is required. This sample can be taken by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but it is important to reduce the amount of airborne asbestos containing dust both during the collection of the sample and while cleaning up after. Typically the person taking the sample must have an HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to collect samples on an occasion that isn't windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will minimize the release of airborne asbestos particles.
When collecting the sample make sure that the area is fully sealed off and that pets or children are not allowed in. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled with the help of a damp rag. Then, wipe all 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 disposal facility that is approved. Place the re-sealable bag containing the sample in a separate plastic bag, then seal it all before labelling it as asbestos waste. The area will be cleaned up again and place a drop sheet over it to collect any fibres released.
Asbestos samples are usually collected through a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is vital that the cassette isn't filled with dust since this could block the fibres of the filter and create distortion in the result. If the sample is located in an area with significant levels of nonfibrous dust may be necessary to utilize smaller volumes of air.
The epidemiological studies showed that asbestos fibres with a shorter length can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This indicates that size is just one of the variables that influence the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other factors like chemical properties, dispersion staining, dispersion polarization and etching time are as well.
Identifying Professionals
When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed they can end up becoming airborne. If inhaled, these microscopic fibers could cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological disorders. Many symptoms may manifest 20 to 50 years later.
Unaltered asbestos isn't an hazard to health, but when the materials like flooring, shingles, or insulation are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, and also during normal home use or when the material ages.
If you are planning to remodel your home, consult local environmental or health officials to determine if your home contains asbestos materials. If asbestos is found in your home, you should have it inspected before any work begins by an asbestos inspector who is accredited.
When renovating an older home be sure that any contractors you choose to hire have the proper credentials. They should be able provide an asbestos report and a survey that includes an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The survey should also indicate whether the contractor will remove or leave the ACM intact.
Repairs of minor nature are feasible on certain ACM, but only a certified professional who has been trained in techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt them. Regardless of the type of repair, the area must be sealed off from the rest of the home and any equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination.
Professionals can seal or cover ACM to stop it from releasing fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats 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 process begins by wetting the materials in order that they can be scraped or cut with a variety of tools, without releasing harmful fibers. Then they place the material in sturdy, leak-proof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal.
Repairing or removing Asbestos
Asbestos is invulnerable to corrosion and heat and has been an extremely useful component in thousands of products such as wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that could cause respiratory issues when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This could affect breathing and lead to serious health problems.
Asbestos can be found in numerous areas of a home, including ceiling and floor tiles roof shingles exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears. Slightly damaged material may be safe if not disturbed or touched. However should the material be in need of repair or you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you should consult with an asbestos professional.
These experts can perform an inspection of the visual and also take samples. They can also provide advice about what corrections need to be done and who is qualified to carry out them. It is vital to let these experts manage your asbestos. These professionals are educated in specific products and should only be permitted to correct them.
In addition to consulting with an asbestos specialist who is certified and contacting your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on asbestos training programs in your area. Be newton asbestos lawyer of firms that claim to have a specialization in asbestos removal. These companies pose a risk because they encourage or carry out unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the risk of harmful fibers being released.
The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist it is crucial to thoroughly research the company to ensure it's certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients as well as proofs of insurance coverage and accreditation. You should also inquire with your local or state health and environmental agencies for the correct procedures to follow when you are planning to remodel your house.