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How to Identify Asbestos Over the past century, asbestos was used to make a myriad of products stronger and more resistant to fire and less expensive. However, exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers could cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Some of these diseases can have a long latent period. It's difficult to identify a problem until it's too long gone. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials since they are fire-resistant and corrosion resistant, as well as an insulator. Inhaling the tiny fibres could pose health risks. This could lead to illnesses such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. The symptoms of these illnesses don't show up until years, or decades after the first exposure. They're frequently misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos. The most popular method to detect asbestos is through medical tests that look for lung disease. The tests typically consist of a physical examination including chest X-rays, lung function tests. These tests aren't sufficient to identify asbestos-related diseases. They should be paired with a complete history of the patient that includes the person's job, home, as well as the environment in which they live. It's possible to find asbestos in a wide range of building materials and materials such as cement products floor tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to spot because the fibers are so small and light. They are able to easily glide through the air and inhale without anyone noticing. They don't emit any distinctive smells, either. You can take a small sample if you suspect a material contains asbestos. This should only be done by a trained professional, because the process of removing asbestos is complicated and requires specialized equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to prevent the release of fibers and send it to an asbestos analysis lab accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website has the list of accredited laboratories. It is very easy to accidentally disturb asbestos and the danger of doing so is higher for certain categories of people. This includes plumbers, construction workers and electricians, because they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials in renovations and maintenance. It's a good idea to encourage anyone working in these fields to take an asbestos awareness course to be aware of the dangers and take the correct precautions. Taking Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material that is suspect is required. This sample could be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is important to ensure that you don't create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the collection and cleaning process. The person taking the sample will usually require a HEPA-filtered air vacuum cleaner and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls as protection. While carrying out the task, they must wear a respirator in accordance with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to collect samples on a day that is not windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will minimize the release of airborne asbestos particles. When you collect the sample, make sure the area is completely sealed and that no pets or children can enter. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled with the help of a damp rag. Then, clean any tools and equipment that were used after the sample is completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste and dispose of it at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample in another plastic bag, then seal it all up before marking it as asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned once again and place a drop sheet over it to catch any released fibres. Asbestos is usually collected using a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is crucial that the cassette isn't filled with dust as this may obscure the fibres in the filter and create distortion in the result. If the sample is taken in an area that has high levels of non-fibrous dust, it may be necessary to use an air sample with a smaller volume. While most research is focused on asbestos fibers that are long however, epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This indicates that size isn't the only one of the variables that influence the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other factors like chemical properties, dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are also involved. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or spread. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, can cause lung diseases. These can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis or other neurological and respiratory problems. The symptoms can manifest from 20 to 50 years later. Undisturbed asbestos does not pose any health risks, but when materials like insulation, shingles, or flooring are damaged or worn out, they can release the harmful fibers. This could happen during a renovation or demolition project, or even during normal home usage or the aging process. If you are planning to remodel your home, consult local health or environmental officials to determine if your home contains asbestos materials. If asbestos is found in your home, you must have it checked prior to when any work can begin by an accredited asbestos inspector. If you're renovating an older house, ensure that any contractors you hire possess the right credentials. They should be able to provide an asbestos survey and report, which includes an evaluation of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to be friable. The survey should specify whether or whether the contractor will eliminate the ACM. Repairs of minor nature are feasible on certain ACM however only a certified professional who has been trained in methods for safely handling asbestos should attempt them. Whatever the kind of repair, the area must be isolated from the rest of the home and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and marked with a warning so as to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can cover or seal 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 done to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM. This process begins by wetting the materials so they can be cut or scraped with various tools without releasing the hazardous fibers. The materials are then placed in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof. Repairing or Removing Asbestos Asbestos is resistant against corrosion and heat. This makes it a suitable material for thousands of products like wallboards insulation, fireproofing and auto brakes. Asbestos can be a poisonous material that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are breathed into. Typically, these fibers are lodged in the lungs and could cause scarring and inflammation of the tissues, which can impair breathing and cause serious health problems. Asbestos is found in numerous areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles, roofing shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is essential to examine these areas regularly for tears, abrasions or damage. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe if not disturbed or touched. However, if the material is damaged or you plan to make changes in your home which could cause disturbance to it, you need to seek out an asbestos expert. They can conduct an inspection visually as well as take samples. They can also offer advice about what corrections need to be made and who is qualified to make them. Only professionals handle asbestos. Some of them have specific training in particular products, and only they must perform the corrective work on them. In addition to speaking with an asbestos specialist who is certified and contacting your state or local health department or regional office of the U.S. orange asbestos lawyer for information about asbestos training programs in your area. Be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms pose a threat because they encourage or carry out unnecessary removals, increasing the likelihood of harmful fibers being released. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the company before hiring an asbestos professional to ensure that it is appropriately insured and certified. You can also request references from previous clients as well as proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to check with your state or local health and environmental authorities to determine the procedure that must be followed if planning to undertake any renovations in your home.