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How to Identify Asbestos In the last century, asbestos was used to make a variety of products stronger, more resistant to fire and less expensive. Exposure to asbestos fibers within the air can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Certain of these diseases could be chronically latent. This means it is difficult for people to detect a problem before it's too late. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were once used in building materials for their anti-corrosive, fire-proof and insulation properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can pose health risks. This can lead to the development of diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until years, even decades, after the first exposure. They're frequently confused with flu-like symptoms. It's crucial that people know how to identify asbestos. Medical tests to check for lung disease are the most popular method to find asbestos. These tests include physical exams as well as chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed using these tests alone, as they must be paired with a thorough history of the patient that looks at a person's home, work and cultural environment. Asbestos is found in a myriad of building products and materials, including cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also found in insulation, doors and partitions, cladding and Artex. Asbestos can be difficult to spot because the fibers are so tiny and light. They can easily float through the air, and inhale without anyone not even realizing. They don't have distinctive smells, either. You can collect a small sample if you suspect a material contains asbestos. It is essential that only a professional can remove asbestos, as it's a complex process 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 easy to accidentally alter the asbestos in a way and the chance of doing this can be higher for certain categories of people. These include plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, since they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing items during renovations and maintenance. It is a good idea for all workers in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness course to be aware of the risks and can make the right precautions. Doing Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material that is suspect is required. This sample can be taken by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, but caution must be taken to minimize the production of airborne asbestos containing dust both during the collection of the sample and while cleaning up afterwards. Typically, the person taking the sample should have a vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a water spray bottle, and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. They should also wear a respirator that conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective devices while performing the task. It is best to collect samples on an unwinding day. windy and shut off the cooling or heating system. This will help reduce the risk of airborne asbestos particles. If you are collecting the sample, make sure that the area is fully closed off and that any pets or children are not permitted in. After the sample is taken and cleaned, clean the equipment and tools using a damp cloth. Place the rag in a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample inside a different plastic bag, and seal it all up before marking it as asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet made of plastic over the area that needs to be cleaned and wet it down again. This will catch any fibres that escape. Asbestos sample are typically taken by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is crucial to ensure that the cassette does not become overloaded with dust. This can block out fibers and distort results. If the sample is collected in an area with significant levels of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to use smaller volumes of air. While the majority of studies focus on long asbestos fibers however, epidemiological studies have revealed that exposure to short asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer too. This indicates that size is not the only factor in determining asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other parameters, such as chemical property, polarization dispersion staining, and etching time are also involved. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are spread or disturbed they can airborne. If inhaled, these microscopic fibers can cause lung disease. These can lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis, as well as other neurological and respiratory issues. The time between onset and recurrence of symptoms can range from 20 to 50 years after exposure. Unaltered asbestos is not an hazard to health, but when materials such as flooring, shingles, or insulation are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, and also during normal home use or the aging process. If you are planning to renovate your home, ask your local health or environmental officials whether the building has asbestos. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered, have it inspected by an accredited asbestos inspector prior to any work being started. If you're renovating an older house, ensure that the contractors you hire have the proper credentials. They should be able supply an asbestos report and survey which includes an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The survey should also specify whether the contractor will remove or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs might be possible on some ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional with experience in techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt them. No matter what type of repair you make the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be placed into plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from releasing fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical that binds or coats fibers to keep them from becoming airborne. This can be done to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a structure. This is accomplished by wetting the materials so that they can be cut or scraped with different tools without releasing dangerous fibers. Then, they place the materials in durable, leak-proof and air-tight containers that are safe for disposal. Repairing or removing Asbestos Asbestos is resistant against heat and corrosion. This makes it an ideal material for thousands of products, including wallboard insulation, fireproofing, and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers get stuck in the lungs, and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can hinder breathing and cause serious health problems. Asbestos is present in many areas of a house such as roof shingles, cement pipes and floor and ceiling tiles and joint compound that contains asbestos. It is important to inspect these areas on a regular basis for tears, abrasions or water damage. If the material is only slighty damaged, it might be safe to touch or even disturb. If the material needs to be repaired or replaced, or you are planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, then seek advice from an asbestos professional. These experts can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also give you advice about the corrective measures that need to be made and who is qualified to make them. You should only let these professionals handle asbestos. These professionals are certified in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them. It is also recommended to contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos-related training programs that are available in your region. Beware of companies that claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These companies are risky since they promote or perform unnecessary removals, increasing the possibility of harmful asbestos fibers being released. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to make sure it's properly accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients as well as proofs of accreditation and insurance coverage. kent asbestos lawyer is also recommended that you examine your state's or local health and environmental agencies to find out what procedures should be followed when planning to make any changes at home.