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How to Identify Asbestos During the last century, asbestos was used in a myriad of products to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. Inhaling asbestos fibers in the air can lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. Certain diseases have a lengthy latency time. This makes it difficult to identify an issue before it's late. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is a range of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were used in building materials because of their fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulating properties. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can cause health hazards. This is often the cause of diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases don't manifest until years, if not decades, after the initial exposure and are often confused with flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify asbestos. The most popular method to detect asbestos is by medical tests that check for lung disease. These tests usually consist of physical examinations, chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed using these tests on their own, since they need to be combined with a thorough history of the patient that includes the person's home, work and social environment. It's possible to find asbestos in a broad range of building products and materials such as cement paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. However, asbestos is difficult to detect because the harmful fibers are tiny and light that they could easily float in the air and then be breathed in without being detected. They also don't produce any distinctive smells. You can take a small sample if you suspect a material contains asbestos. It is essential that only a professional remove asbestos since it's an intricate 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 website. It's very easy to accidentally damage asbestos, and the risk of doing this can be much higher for certain groups of people. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure during renovations and maintenance. It's a good idea to encourage anyone working in these areas to complete an asbestos awareness course so that they understand the dangers and take the correct precautions. Doing Samples A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. This sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However, it is important to ensure that you do not create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the cleaning and collection process. The person who is taking the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters along with a spray bottle of water, and disposable coveralls for protection. They must also wear a respirator that conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory safety devices while carrying out the task. It is recommended to take samples on a day that is not windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will help reduce the airborne asbestos particles. When you collect the sample, ensure that the area is closed off and that pets or children are not permitted in. The area to be sampled with the help of a damp rag. Then, clean all equipment and tools utilized after the sample is completed. Place the rag into a plastic bag, mark it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the re-sealable bag with the sample in a separate plastic bag, then seal it before labelling it as asbestos waste. The area will be cleaned up again and place a drop sheet over it to collect any fibres that are released. Asbestos samples are usually collected with the help of a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is crucial that the cassette does not get filled with dust because this could obscure the fibres of the filter, causing an imbalance in the results. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, a smaller air volume can be utilized. While most testing focuses on asbestos fibers that are long however, epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to short asbestos fibres can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer as well. This suggests that size is just one of the factors influencing the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other factors such as chemical properties such as dispersion staining, dispersion polarization and etching time are as well. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are disturbed or spread they can be airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung disease. These can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis, as well as other respiratory and neurological problems. The time between onset and recurrence of symptoms can be anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure. Unaltered asbestos isn't a health hazard, but when insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can occur during a demolition or renovation project, as well as in normal home use or aging. If you're planning to renovate your home, check with local health or environmental officials to see if your building contains asbestos materials. If asbestos is found in your home, it is recommended to have it checked prior to when any work begins by an asbestos inspector who is accredited. If you are planning to renovate an older property, make sure that any contractors you hire have the appropriate credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos report and survey that includes an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The survey should also include whether the contractor will remove or leave the ACM intact. Repairs of minor nature are possible on some ACM however only a professional with experience in methods for safely handling asbestos should attempt the repairs. No matter what type of repair, the area should be isolated from the rest of the home and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning so as to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from getting released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or covers the fibers to keep them from becoming airborne. minneapolis asbestos attorneys can be done to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are then soaked so that they can be cut using various tools without releasing harmful fibers. The materials are then put in airtight, tough containers that are leak-proof. Removing or replacing Asbestos Asbestos is invulnerable to corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for a variety of products, including wallboard, 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 can impact breathing and cause serious health problems. Asbestos can be found in numerous parts of your home such as roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles and joint compound that contains asbestos. Check these areas for damage or abrasions. A little damaged material could be safe if not disturbed or touched. However should the material be in need of repair or you plan to make changes to your home that could affect it, you should consult an asbestos professional. These professionals can perform an inspection by visuals and also take samples. They can also provide advice on the corrections that must be done and who is qualified to do them. It is vital to have only these experts manage your asbestos. Some of them are trained in specific products, and they are the only ones who should do corrective work on them. You should also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos-related training programs that are available in your area. Also, be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms are dangerous since they promote or perform unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the likelihood of harmful fibers being released. The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure that it is certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients and also proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended to check with your state or local environmental and health agencies to find out what procedures should be followed if you're planning to do any remodeling in your home.