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How to Identify Asbestos During the past century asbestos was used to make thousands of products stronger and more resistant to fire and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can lead to lung disease such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Certain of these diseases could have a long-lasting latent period. This means it is difficult for people to detect an issue before it's late. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once used in building materials as they are fire retardant, corrosion resistant and insulation. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can pose health risks. It can cause diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. These diseases can take a long time, or even decades, to be diagnosed. They are often interpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos. Medical tests to check for lung disease are the most popular method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests include physical examinations, chest X rays and lung function tests. These tests aren't enough to diagnose asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a comprehensive history of the patient, which includes a person's work, residence, and the cultural context. It's possible to discover asbestos in a diverse assortment of building products and materials such as cement, flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. However, asbestos can be difficult to identify because the harmful fibers are small and light that they could easily flounder in the air and be inhaled without being detected. They don't also emit distinctive smells. You can collect a small sample if you suspect that the substance you're looking at has asbestos. This should only be done by a qualified professional, as removing asbestos is very complex and requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of accredited laboratories is available on the NVLAP website. It's very easy to accidentally cause harm to asbestos, and the risk of doing this is much higher for certain groups of people. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure in maintenance and renovations. Everyone who works in these fields should take an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the dangers and know how to take the proper precautions. Taking Samples A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is important to ensure that you do not generate airborne asbestos-containing dust during the collection and cleaning process. newark asbestos attorneys who collects the sample should be equipped with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While performing the task, they should wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to conduct the sample collection on a non stormy day. Also, ensure that heating or cooling systems are turned off so that there is less chance of release of asbestos particles from the air. particles. When collecting the sample ensure that the area is sealed off and that pets or children aren't allowed to enter. After the sample has been taken then clean up all equipment and tools with a damp cloth. Place the rag in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos disposal facility that is approved. Place the resealable bag along with the sample into a second plastic bag. Seal it all together before labeling it as asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area that must be cleaned and wet it down again. This will trap any fibres that are released. Asbestos samples are usually collected by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is essential to ensure that the cassette doesn't get overloaded with dust. This could obscure the fibres and alter the results. If the sample is taken in an area with high amounts of dust that is not fibrous the smaller volume of air could be employed. While the majority of studies focus on asbestos fibers that are long but epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short may cause mesothelioma or lung cancer too. This suggests that size isn't the only factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers. Other factors like chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining, as also the time to etch are also involved. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are spread or disturbed, they can become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological disorders. Many symptoms can appear within 20 to 50 years. Unaltered asbestos isn't a health hazard, but when materials like flooring, shingles, or insulation are damaged, they might release harmful fibers. This could happen when you are working on a renovation or demolition project or even during regular home usage or aging. If you are planning to make changes to your home, inquire with your local health or environment department whether the building is asbestos-free. If asbestos is found in your home, it is recommended to have it checked prior to when any work starts by an accredited asbestos inspector. If you're renovating an older house, ensure that the contractors you hire are licensed and certified. They should be able provide an asbestos report and survey which includes 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 possible on some ACM. However, only a professional who is educated in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. No matter what type of repair, the site should be sealed off from the rest of the home and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and labeled with a warning so as to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical that binds or coats the fibers to keep them from becoming airborne. This can be done to insulated pipe or to cover old shingles. Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The materials are first soaked to allow them to be cut with various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. They then place the material in durable, leak-proof, air-tight containers for safe disposal. Removing or replacing Asbestos Asbestos is impervious to corrosion and heat which makes it an extremely useful material for hundreds of products, including wallboard materials, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up trapped in the lungs. They can lead to tissue inflammation and scarring which can cause breathing problems and lead to serious health issues. Asbestos is found in many areas of a house, including roof shingles, cement pipes, floor and ceiling tiles, and joint compound containing asbestos. It is crucial to check these areas on a regular basis for tears, abrasions or water damage. Materials that are slightly damaged can be safe as long as it's not touched or disturbed. However when the material is damaged or you are planning to make changes in your home which could cause disturbance to it, consult with an asbestos professional. These professionals can perform an inspection by visuals and also take samples. They can also provide guidance on the corrective measures required and who is certified. It is best to let experts handle asbestos. Some of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific asbestos products, and only they are qualified to perform remedial work on them. In addition, to talking with an asbestos-certified asbestos professional and contacting your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for information about asbestos-related training programs in your area. Be aware of companies who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies pose a risk as they encourage or conduct ineffective removals, which increases the risk of harmful fibers being released. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure that it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from past clients as well as proofs of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you consult your state or local environmental and health departments to determine the procedure that are required if you're planning to make any changes within your home.