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How to Identify Asbestos In the past century, asbestos was used in a variety of products, to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Certain diseases may be chronically latent. This makes it difficult for patients to spot the problem before it's too late. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials because they are fire-resistant, corrosion resistant and insulate. It can, however, pose health risks when the microscopic fibers inhaled. This is often the cause of diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until years, even decades after the initial exposure. They're often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify the asbestos. The most commonly used method to identify asbestos is through medical tests that look for lung disease. These tests include a physical exam as well as chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be identified by these tests alone, as they need to be combined with a thorough history of the patient that looks at a person's home, work and their cultural surroundings. It's possible to find asbestos in a broad assortment of building products and materials that include cement products, floor tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. However, asbestos can be difficult to recognize because the fibers that pose danger are so small and light that they can easily float in the air and be inhaled without being noticed. They also don't emit any distinctive smells. If you suspect a material may contain asbestos, you can collect a sample of it. This should only be done by a certified professional since removing asbestos is extremely complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to prevent the release of fibers, and send it to an asbestos analysis laboratory that is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of accredited laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site. Certain groups of people are at a greater risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. These include construction workers, plumbers and electricians, as they are likely to see asbestos-containing materials in maintenance and renovations. Any person who works in these fields should attend an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the risks and know how to take the appropriate precautions. Take Samples A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, however careful consideration should be taken to limit the formation of dust containing asbestos that is airborne throughout the collection of the sample, and during cleaning up after. Typically, the person taking the sample must have an HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. When they are performing the task they must wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is best to collect samples on an occasion that isn't windy and turn off the heating or cooling system. This will minimize the risk of airborne asbestos particles. When collecting the sample ensure that the area is fully closed off and that pets or children are not allowed in. Wet down the area to be sampled with the help of a damp rag. Then, wipe all tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it has been completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the re-sealable bag containing the sample inside a different plastic bag, then seal it all before marking it as asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area that needs be cleaned, and then wet it down once more. This will catch any fibres that are released. Asbestos can be filtered with a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is vital that the cassette is not filled with dust as this can obscure the fibres on the filter and create an imbalance in the results. If the sample is being taken from an area that has high levels of dust that is not fibrous, smaller volumes of air can be used. The epidemiological studies showed that asbestos fibres that are short could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. This indicates that size isn't the only one of the variables that influence the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other parameters such as chemical properties like dispersion staining, dispersion polarization and etching time are as well. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed, they can become airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers could cause asbestosis or mesothelioma, as well as other respiratory and neurological conditions. Many symptoms can appear after 20 to 50 years. Unaltered asbestos is not an hazard to health, but when materials like flooring, insulation, and shingles are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can happen during a renovation or demolition project, or even during normal home usage or the aging process. If you are planning to remodel your home, make sure you check with local environmental or health officials to determine if the structure contains asbestos materials. If asbestos is found in your home, you should get it checked before any work can begin by an accredited asbestos inspector. If you are renovating an older home, be sure that any contractors you employ are licensed and certified. They should be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report that contains an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should state whether or the contractor will be removing the ACM. Minor repairs are possible on some ACM. However only a professional who is trained in asbestos handling safely is able to tackle these. No matter what repair you make it is essential that the area be protected from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be placed into plastic bags and marked with a warning to prevent cross-contamination. Professionals can seal or cover ACM to stop it from release of fibers into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical which binds or covers the fibers to prevent them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated piping, or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. The process begins by wetting the materials to allow them to be scraped or cut with a variety of tools without releasing the hazardous fibers. fremont asbestos lawyer are then put in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof. Removing or fixing Asbestos Asbestos is impervious to corrosion and heat. This makes it a useful product for thousands of uses like wallboards insulation, fireproofing and auto brakes. Asbestos can be a poisonous material that can cause respiratory issues when fibers inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs, which can affect breathing and cause serious health issues. Asbestos is found in numerous areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. 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. However should the material be in need of repair or you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you need to seek out an asbestos expert. They can conduct an inspection visually as well as take samples. They can also provide advice on what corrections are required and who qualifies. Only professionals handle asbestos. These professionals are educated in specific products and should be allowed to correct them. It is also recommended to 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 region. Also, be aware that there are companies who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms are dangerous since they promote or perform unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the possibility of harmful asbestos fibers being released. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional, it is important to research the company thoroughly to ensure it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, and also evidence of accreditation as well as insurance coverage. You should also inquire with your local or state health and environmental agency for the appropriate procedures to follow if you are planning to renovate your home.