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How to Identify Asbestos Over the past century, asbestos was used to make a myriad of products stronger, more resistant to fire, and cheaper. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Certain diseases may have a long time of latent. It is difficult to detect the presence of a problem until it is too far gone. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were once utilized in building materials for their fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulating properties. Inhaling the tiny fibres could create health risks. This can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases don't appear until several years, or decades after the initial exposure and are often confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it's crucial for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos. The most effective method to detect asbestos is through medical tests to look for lung disease. longmont asbestos lawsuit include physical examinations, chest X rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be diagnosed with these tests alone, as they require a combination with a thorough health history that includes the person's work, home and their cultural surroundings. Asbestos is found in a myriad of building materials and products, including cement, paints and floor tiles. It can also be found in insulation, doors and partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos can be difficult to detect because the dangerous fibers are so small and light that they can easily float in the air and then be breathed in without being observed. They don't possess any distinct smells either. You can take a small sample if you suspect that the material you are looking at contains asbestos. This should only be done by a certified professional as removing asbestos is very complicated and requires specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website contains a list of accredited labs. It's very easy to accidentally disturb asbestos and the chance of doing this is higher for certain categories of people. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are at risk of exposure to asbestos during renovations and maintenance. Anyone who works in these areas should complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and how to take the appropriate precautions. Taking Samples To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection, a sample from the suspected material is required. This sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is crucial to ensure that you don't produce asbestos-containing dust in the air during the taking and cleaning. Typically, the person who is taking the sample should be equipped with an HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. When performing the task, they must wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is best to take samples on an occasion that isn't windy and shut off the cooling or heating system. This will limit the airborne asbestos particles. When collecting the sample, make sure the area is completely sealed and that pets and children are allowed to be allowed to enter. Make sure to saturate 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 into a plastic bag, mark it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that is resealable and the sample into a second plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before labeling it as asbestos waste. Wet down the area to be cleaned once again and then place a plastic drop sheet over it to collect any fibres that escape. Asbestos is typically removed using a pre-assembled pump as well as a cassette system. It is vital to ensure that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, because this could obscure the fibres of the filter and create an unintended bias in the outcome. If the sample is taken in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, the smaller volume of air could be utilized. The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres of short length can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This suggests that size is not the only one of the variables that influence the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other parameters such as chemical properties and dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are as well. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can become airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, may cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers could cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well as other neurological and respiratory conditions. The latency period for many symptoms can vary from 20 to 50 years after exposure. Unaltered asbestos is not an hazard to health, but when flooring, insulation, and shingles are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can happen during a renovation or demolition project, or in normal use of the home or when the material ages. If you are planning to make changes to your home, inquire with your local health or environment department if the building contains asbestos. If asbestos is discovered in your home, you should get it checked before any work starts by an accredited asbestos inspector. When you're planning to renovate an older home Make sure that any contractors you hire have the appropriate qualifications. They must be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report, which includes an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their friability. The survey should state whether or the contractor will be removing the ACM. Minor repairs are possible on certain ACM. However, only a professional who is trained in asbestos handling safely is able to tackle these. Whatever the kind of repair, the area must be kept separate from the other areas of the house, and any equipment or clothing should be put in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop the fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats the fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated piping, or to cover old shingles. Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The materials are then soaked to allow them to be cut with a variety of tools without releasing dangerous fibers. The materials are then put in airtight, sturdy containers that are leak-proof. Repairing or removing Asbestos Asbestos is abrasive to corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for a myriad of products, including wallboard, fireproofing insulation, and auto brakes. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs, which can affect breathing and cause serious health problems. Asbestos is found in many parts of your home including roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles as well as joint compound that contains asbestos. It is essential to examine these areas frequently for tears, abrasions, or water damage. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe if it is not manipulated or smashed. If the material must be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, then consult with an asbestos professional. These experts can perform an inspection visually and also take samples. They can also advise you about what corrections need to be done and who is qualified to do them. Only professionals handle asbestos. Certain of these professionals have specific training in particular products, and they're the only ones who must perform the corrective work on them. In addition to consulting an asbestos specialist who is certified You should also contact your state or local health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos-related training programs in your region. Be aware of companies which falsely claim they specialize in asbestos removal. These firms are dangerous since they promote or perform unneeded removals, which increase the risk of harmful fibers being released. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist it is essential to research the company thoroughly to make sure it's properly accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients and also proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also consult your state or local health and environmental departments to determine the best procedures to follow when you intend to remodel your home.