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How to Identify Asbestos In the past century, asbestos was used in a variety of products, to make them more durable, less prone to fire and less costly. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis. Certain of these diseases could have a long latent period. It's hard to spot a problem until it's too long gone. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is a variety of naturally occurring minerals. They were once used in building materials for their anti-corrosive, fire-proof and insulating properties. It can, however, create health risks if the microscopic fibers are inhaled. This can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take years or even decades to manifest their symptoms. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify asbestos. Medical tests that test for lung disease are the most commonly used method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests usually include physical examinations as well as chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests. These tests aren't enough to determine the presence of asbestos-related illnesses. They should be paired with a comprehensive history of the patient which includes information about a person's job, home, as well as the cultural context. It's possible to find asbestos in a broad variety of building products and materials such as cement, paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos is difficult to spot because the fibers are tiny and light. They can effortlessly float through the air, and inhale without anyone even noticing. They don't have any distinct smells either. If you suspect that a product could be contaminated with asbestos, you can collect one of the samples. This should only be done by a qualified professional, because the process of removing asbestos is complex and requires specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site. Certain categories of people are at greater risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. This includes plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, since they are likely to see asbestos-containing items during renovations and maintenance. It's recommended for all workers in these areas to complete an asbestos awareness training course so that they understand the dangers and are able to use the proper precautions. Taking Samples A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. This sample can be taken by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, however careful consideration should be taken to limit the formation of dust that contains asbestos during the process of collecting the sample and when cleaning up after. The person who collects the sample must have a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner a water spray bottle, and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. When performing the task, they should wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is recommended to conduct the sample collection on a not stormy day. Also, ensure that heating or cooling systems are turned off as this will minimise the release of any airborne asbestos particles. When collecting the sample make sure the area is completely sealed off and that no children or pets are allowed to access the. After the sample is taken, wipe down all instruments and equipment using a damp cloth. Place the rag into an unmarked plastic bag, label 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 inside a second plastic bag, and seal it all before labelling it as asbestos waste. Make sure to rinse the area to be cleaned once again and place a plastic drop sheet over it to capture any fibres that escape. Asbestos samples are usually collected by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette does not become overloaded with dust. This can block out fibers and affect the results. If the sample is collected in an area with large quantities of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to use smaller volumes of air. While the majority of research focuses on asbestos fibers that are long however, epidemiological studies have revealed that exposure to short asbestos fibres may cause mesothelioma or lung cancer too. This indicates that size is not the only factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres. Other factors like chemical properties, polarization and dispersion staining as well as the time of etching are also important. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or spread. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, can cause lung disease. They can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other neurological and respiratory issues. Many symptoms may manifest in the 20 to 50 years following. Unaltered asbestos is not an hazard to health, but when materials such as flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, or in normal home use or aging. If you're planning to make changes to your home, ask your local health or environmental department whether the building has asbestos. If asbestos is discovered in your home, get it checked before any work starts by an asbestos inspector who is accredited. If you're planning to renovate an older home, be sure that any contractors you hire have the appropriate credentials. They should be able conduct an asbestos survey and report that includes an assessment of the condition and condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also include whether the contractor will remove or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs might be possible with certain ACM, but only a certified professional who has been trained in techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt these repairs. bend asbestos lawyer what type of repair, the affected area should be isolated from the rest of the home and any equipment or clothing must be put in plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical that binds or coats fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. The materials are first wetted in order to enable them to be cut using various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. They then place the material in durable, leak-proof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal. Repairing or removing Asbestos Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion This has made it an extremely useful component in thousands of products including wallboard materials, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an irritant that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers become stuck in the lungs, and can cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can make breathing difficult and lead to serious health issues. Asbestos can be found in numerous areas of a home including roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles as well as joint compound that is made up of asbestos. It is important to inspect these areas regularly for damage, tears, or damage. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe if not disturbed or touched. If the material must be repaired, or you're planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, then you should consult with an asbestos professional. These professionals can perform an inspection visually as well as take samples. They can also advise you about what corrections need to be done and who is qualified to do them. It is crucial to let these experts manage your asbestos. These professionals are certified in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them. You can also contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos training programs available in your area. Be aware of firms that claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These companies are risky as they encourage or conduct unnecessary removals, thereby increasing 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 professional to ensure that they are properly certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients along with confirmation of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you contact your state or local environmental and health departments to learn about the procedures that should be followed if you're planning to make any changes within your home.