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How to Identify Asbestos In the past century asbestos was utilized in a myriad of products to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Certain of these diseases could have a long-lasting latent period. It's hard to spot an issue until it's far gone. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials due to the fact that they are fireproof, corrosion resistant and an insulator. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can pose health risks. It is common for them to cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take years, or even decades, to show their symptoms. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos. Medical tests that test for lung disease are the most frequent method to detect asbestos. These tests usually include physical examinations as well as chest X-rays, and tests for pulmonary function. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be diagnosed using these tests alone, as they must be paired with a thorough history of the patient which includes a thorough examination of a person's home, work and their cultural surroundings. It's possible to find asbestos in a broad range of building materials and materials such as cement, paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to identify because the fibers are small and light. They are able to easily glide through the air and inhale without anyone even noticing. They don't also emit distinct smells. If you think a substance might contain asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. This should only be performed by a certified professional as removing asbestos is very complex and requires specialized equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to stop the release of fibers and take it to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). florida asbestos lawyer contains the list of accredited laboratories. Certain groups of people are at greater risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. This includes construction workers, plumbers and electricians, because they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing products during renovations and maintenance. It's recommended for anyone who works in these fields to take an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the risks and can use the proper precautions. Samples to take Samples A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be collected by a professional asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but careful consideration should be taken to limit the formation of dust containing asbestos that is airborne both during the collection of the sample and when cleaning up afterwards. Typically the person taking the sample must have a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. They must wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716:2003 Respiratory protection devices when performing the task. It is best to conduct the sample collection on a not windy day and ensure that cooling or heating systems are turned off, so that there is less chance of release of any airborne asbestos particles. When collecting the sample ensure that the area is closed off and that any pets or children are not allowed into the. Wet down the area to be sampled using a damp rag and clean all equipment and tools used once the sampling has been completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag, mark it as asbestos waste and dispose of it at an asbestos-free facility that is approved by the government. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample in another plastic bag, and seal it before marking it as asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned up again and place a drop sheet over it to catch any fibres that escape. Asbestos can be filtered with a pre-assembled pump as well as a cassette system. It is crucial to ensure that the cassette does not become overloaded with dust. This could obscure fibers and distort results. If the sample is being collected in an area with high levels of non-fibrous dust, the smaller volume of air could be utilized. While most testing focuses on long asbestos fibers however, epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to short asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This proves that size is not the only factor influencing asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other parameters such as chemical property, polarization, dispersion staining, and the time required to etch are also a factor. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers may become airborne when they are disturbed or spread. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, may cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers could cause asbestosis or mesothelioma, as well as other neurological and respiratory conditions. The time to develop symptoms can vary from 20 to 50 years after exposure. Unaltered asbestos is not a health hazard, but when materials such as insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This could happen during a demolition or renovation project, or even during normal home usage or aging. If you're planning to renovate your home, inquire with your local health or environmental officials whether the building is asbestos-free. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered, have it inspected by an asbestos-certified inspector prior to any work being started. If you're planning to renovate an older house, ensure that any contractors you hire have the proper credentials. They must be able conduct an asbestos survey and report that contains an assessment of the state of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also include whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs may be possible on certain ACM and other ACMs, but only a trained professional who knows the techniques for safely handling asbestos should attempt these repairs. Regardless of the type of repair, the area should be isolated from the rest of the house and any contaminated equipment or clothing must be put in plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) is also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a way that binds and seals the fibers to prevent them from become airborne. This can be done to insulated pipes or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are first wetted so that they can be cut using various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. Then they place the material in sturdy, leakproof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal. Removing or replacing Asbestos Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion, which has made it an extremely useful material for hundreds of products, including wallboard materials, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. Asbestos is a poisonous substance that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are breathed in. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs, which could impact breathing and cause serious health issues. Asbestos is found in many parts of a house including roof shingles, cement pipes as well as floor and ceiling tiles, and joint compound that contains asbestos. Check these areas for water damage or abrasions. Materials that are slightly damaged can be safe as long as it's not manipulated or smashed. However it is damaged or you are planning to make changes to your home which could cause disturbance to it, consult an asbestos professional. They can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also provide advice on the corrections that must be done and who is qualified to make them. It is recommended that only these experts handle asbestos. They are educated in specific products and should only be permitted to correct them. In addition, to talking with an asbestos expert who is trained You should also contact 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. Beware of companies that claim to be specialists in asbestos removal. These companies are risky because they encourage or perform ineffective removals, which increases the risk of harmful fibers being released. The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. It is important to thoroughly research the company before hiring an asbestos expert to ensure that it is properly insured and certified. You can also request references from previous clients along with evidence of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended to check with your state or local health and environmental authorities to determine the best procedures to follow if you are planning to renovate your home.