How to Identify Asbestos
In the past century, asbestos was used in thousands of products to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers within the air can trigger lung diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Certain diseases have a long latency period. It is difficult to detect the presence of a problem until it is too long gone.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is a range of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were once utilized in building materials because of their fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulating properties. However, it could cause health problems when the microscopic fibers are breathed in. It is common for them to cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can take years, or even decades, to display their symptoms. They are often interpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to know how to recognize asbestos.
Tests for medical conditions that detect lung disease are the most popular method to detect asbestos. The tests typically consist of physical examinations or chest Xrays as well as pulmonary function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed with these tests on their own, since they need to be combined with a thorough medical history that includes the person's home, work and their cultural surroundings.
Asbestos can be found in a myriad of building products and materials, including cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also present in doors, insulation and partitions, cladding and Artex. Asbestos is difficult for people to detect because the fibers are small and light. They are able to effortlessly glide through the air and breathe without anyone even noticing. They don't possess any distinct smells either.
If you suspect that a product might contain asbestos, you can collect a sample of it. This should only be done by a qualified professional, as removing asbestos is very 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 website.
Certain categories of people are at greater risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. These include plumbers, construction workers and electricians, since they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials in renovations and maintenance. Everyone who works in these areas should complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and how to take the proper precautions.
Take Samples
To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection, a sample from the material in question is required. This sample can be taken by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but careful consideration should be taken to reduce the amount of dust that contains asbestos both when collecting the sample as well as when cleaning up after. The person who takes the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls as protection. While performing the task, they should wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to conduct the sample collection on a not windy day and ensure that cooling or heating systems are shut off, so that there is less chance of release of any airborne asbestos particles.
When collecting the sample, be sure the area is completely sealed and that no children or pets are allowed to enter. Wet down the area to be sampled using a damp rag and clean any tools and equipment that were used after the sample is completed. 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 bag that is resealable and the sample in a separate plastic bag. Secure it all before declaring it asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area to be cleaned and then wet it again. This will catch any fibres released.
Asbestos samples are typically collected by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is vital that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, since this could block the fibers on the filter and cause an imbalance in the results. If the sample is being collected in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, smaller volumes of air can be employed.
While most testing focuses on asbestos fibers that are long, the epidemiological studies have found that exposure to short asbestos fibres can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This indicates that size is not the only one of the factors influencing the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other factors such as chemical properties, polarization, dispersion staining 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. They can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis or other neurological and respiratory issues. The time to develop symptoms can vary between 20 and 50 years after exposure.
Undisturbed asbestos does not pose an health risk, however when materials like insulation, shingles and flooring become damaged or degraded, they can release the harmful fibers. This can happen during a renovation or demolition project, as well as in normal home use or the aging process.
If you're planning to renovate your home, inquire with your local health or environment officials whether the building is asbestos-free. If asbestos-containing materials are found then it should be examined by an accredited asbestos inspector prior to beginning any work.
If you are renovating an older home, be sure that any contractors you hire have the proper credentials. They must be able provide an asbestos survey and report which 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 the contractor's intention to remove or leave the ACM intact.
Minor repairs might be possible on certain ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional trained in ways to safely handle asbestos should attempt the repairs. fort myers asbestos attorney what type of repair, the site should be sealed off from the rest of the house and any equipment or clothing should be stored in plastic bags and labeled with a warning so as to avoid cross-contamination.
Professionals can seal or cover ACM to prevent it from emitting fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation), also known as encapsulation, is the process of treating the material in a manner that binds and seals the fibers to ensure they don't become airborne. This can be done on insulated pipes 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 a variety of tools without releasing harmful fibers. The material is then put in airtight and durable containers that are leakproof.
Repairing or removing Asbestos
Asbestos is resistant to corrosion and heat, which has made it a very useful material in many different products like wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. Asbestos can be a poisonous material that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers get lodged in the lungs and may cause scarring and inflammation of the tissues, which can make breathing difficult and cause serious health issues.
Asbestos is present in many parts of your home such as roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles, and joint compound containing asbestos. Be sure to check these areas for water damage or abrasions. If the material is slightly damaged, it could be safe to touch or disturb. However it is in need of repair or you are planning to make changes in your home that could disturb it, you need to consult with an asbestos professional.
These experts can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also give you advice on what corrections are needed and who is qualified. It is crucial to have only the experts handle your asbestos. These professionals are certified in specific products and should be allowed to correct them.
In addition to consulting with a trained asbestos professional, you should contact your state or local health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on asbestos training programs in your region. Be wary of companies that claim to be specialists in asbestos removal. These companies can be risky since they encourage removals that are not needed or make them in a way that isn't properly done and increase the risk of release of harmful asbestos fibers.
The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. It is crucial to do your research thoroughly before hiring an asbestos expert to ensure that they are properly certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, along with evidence of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you examine your state's or local environmental and health departments to learn about the procedures that should be followed when planning to make any changes in your home.