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How to Identify Asbestos In the past century asbestos was used to make thousands of items stronger, more resistant to fire and less expensive. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers could cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Certain diseases have a long time of latency. This makes it difficult to spot an issue before it's late. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were once used in building materials because they are fire retardant, corrosion resistant and insulating. It could, however, cause health problems when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. This can lead to the development of diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. Symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until several years, or decades after the first exposure. They're frequently mistaken for flu-like symptoms. This is why it's essential for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos. Tests for medical conditions that detect lung disease are the most common way to detect asbestos. These tests include physical exams as well as chest X-rays and 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 work, residence, and cultural environment. Asbestos can be found in a wide range of building products and materials, including cement, paints, and floor tiles. It can also be found in doors, insulation and partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos is difficult to identify because the dangerous fibers are so small and light that they could easily flounder in the air and breathed in without being observed. They don't emit any distinct smells either. If you suspect a material could contain asbestos, you can collect the material as a sample. It is crucial that only a professional is able to remove asbestos, as it is an extremely complex process that requires special 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 web site. It's quite easy to cause harm to asbestos and the danger of doing this is higher for certain categories of people. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are at risk of asbestos exposure in maintenance and renovations. Any person who works in these areas should complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and how to take the right precautions. Take Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the suspected material is required. This sample can be taken by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but care must be taken to minimise the generation of dust that contains asbestos during the process of collecting the sample, and during cleaning up afterwards. The person who is taking the sample is likely to require a HEPA-filtered air vacuum cleaner and a spray bottle of water, and disposable coveralls for protection. While performing the task, they should wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to take samples on a day that is not windy and shut off the heating or cooling system. This will help reduce 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. After the sample is taken and cleaned, clean the equipment and tools with a damp cloth. Place the rag into the 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 a separate plastic bag, and seal it up before declaring it asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area that needs to be cleaned and wet it again. This will collect any fibres released. Asbestos samples are usually collected by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is crucial to ensure that the cassette doesn't be suffocated with dust. This could obscure fibers and affect the results. If the sample is taken in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, smaller volumes of air can be utilized. The epidemiological studies showed that asbestos fibres that are short can also trigger mesothelioma or lung cancer. This shows that size is not the only factor that affects the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers. Other parameters like chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining as well as the time required to etch are also a factor. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed they can end up becoming airborne. These microscopic fibers, once inhaled, may cause lung diseases. They can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis, as well as other neurological and respiratory issues. Many symptoms can be noticed in the 20 to 50 years following. Unaltered asbestos is not a health hazard, but when insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they can release harmful fibers. This can occur during a renovation or demolition project, or even during regular home usage or aging. If you're planning to renovate your home, make sure you check with local environmental or health officials to determine if the structure has asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is found in your home, you must get it checked before any work can begin by an accredited asbestos inspector. If you're planning to renovate an older property, make sure that the contractors you hire have the appropriate credentials. They should be able provide an asbestos report and survey that contains an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The survey should also indicate the contractor's intention to remove or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs may be feasible on certain ACM repairs, but only a professional with experience in techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt the repairs. Whatever repair is made it is essential that the area be sealed from the rest of your home. Any contaminated 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 stop fibers from being released into the air. Sealing ( eugene asbestos attorney ), also known as encapsulation, involves 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 building. The materials are first soaked in order to enable them to be cut with a variety of tools without releasing dangerous fibers. The material is then put in airtight, tough containers that are leak-proof. Repairing or removing Asbestos Asbestos is abrasive to corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for a myriad of products like wallboards, fireproofing insulation, and auto brakes. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause respiratory issues when fibers inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This can impact breathing and cause serious health issues. Asbestos is present in many parts of a house, including roof shingles, cement pipes, floor and ceiling tiles, and joint compound that contains asbestos. It is essential to examine these areas on a regular basis for tears, abrasions or damage. If the material is only slightly damaged, it could be safe to touch or move. If the material must be repaired, or you're planning to make changes to your home which could damage it, then consult with an asbestos professional. These experts can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also provide advice on the corrections that must be made and who is qualified to make them. You should only let these professionals handle asbestos. Certain of these professionals are trained in specific products, and only they are qualified to perform remedial work on them. It is also recommended to contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos training programs available in your region. Be aware of the many companies which falsely claim they specialize in asbestos removal. These firms can be dangerous because they encourage unnecessary removals or make them in a way that isn't properly done, increasing the danger of release of harmful fibers. The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist it is crucial to research the company thoroughly to make sure it's properly certified and insured. You can also request references from former clients as along with proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. You should also consult your state or local health and environmental agency for the proper guidelines to follow if you intend to remodel your home.