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How to Identify Asbestos In the last century asbestos was used in thousands of products to make them more durable, fire resistant and less expensive. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Some of these diseases can have a long-lasting latent period. This makes it difficult for people to identify a problem before it's too late. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were once used in building materials due to the fact that they are fire resistant, corrosion resistant and insulating. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can cause health hazards. This can lead to the development of diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. Symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until several years, or decades after first exposure. They're frequently misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's essential for people to know how to recognize asbestos. The most common way to identify asbestos is through medical tests that test for lung disease. These tests include physical exams as well as chest X-rays and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be identified by these tests on their own, since they must be paired with a thorough history of the patient that looks at a person's home, work and cultural environment. It's possible to discover asbestos in a diverse range of building products and materials such as cement floor tiles, paints adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. However, asbestos is difficult to detect because the harmful fibers are small and light that they may easily float in the air and inhale without being recognized. They don't have distinct smells either. If you suspect that a particular material could contain asbestos, you can collect the material as a sample. It is crucial that only a professional can remove asbestos, as it is complicated and requires special equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to prevent the release of fibers and send it to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site. Certain groups of people are more at danger of accidentally touching asbestos. This includes plumbers, construction workers and electricians, because they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials during maintenance and renovations. Anyone who works in these areas should complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and are aware of the necessary precautions. Samples to take Samples To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection an asbestos sample of the suspected material is required. The sample could be taken by a professional asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but care must be taken to limit the formation of airborne asbestos containing dust during the process of collecting the sample and while cleaning up after. The person who collects the sample will usually require an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters as well as a spray bottle filled with water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. They must also wear a respirator which conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective devices when performing the task. It is recommended to collect samples on the day that isn't too windy. Also, turn off the cooling or heating system. This will help reduce the risk of airborne asbestos particles. If you are collecting the sample, ensure that the area is closed off and that any pets or children aren't allowed into the. Wet down the area to be sampled with a damp rag and clean any tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it has been completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos-free facility that is approved by the government. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample inside a different plastic bag, then seal it up before marking it as asbestos waste. Put a dropsheet of plastic on the area that needs to be cleaned and then wet it down again. This will trap any fibres that escape. Asbestos samples are usually collected by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is vital that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, as this may obscure the fibers on the filter, causing an unintended bias in the outcome. If the sample is collected in an area that has large quantities of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to utilize smaller volumes of air. The epidemiological studies found that short asbestos fibres could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. This suggests that size is not the only factor in determining asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other factors like chemical property, polarization, dispersion staining, as also the time of etching are also important. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can become airborne when they are disturbed or spread. If inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers may cause asbestosis or mesothelioma aswell as other respiratory and neurological conditions. The latency period for many symptoms can vary between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Unaffected asbestos is not an health risk, however when the materials used for insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged or deteriorate they could release harmful fibers. This could happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project or even in normal home use or as a result of aging. If you are planning to make changes to your home, ask local health or environment officials if the building contains asbestos. If asbestos is found and inspected, you must have it checked by an asbestos-certified inspector prior to beginning any work. If you're planning to renovate an older home, be sure that any contractors you employ possess the right credentials. They should be able provide an asbestos report and survey that includes an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should also specify whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs are feasible on certain ACM. However, only a professional skilled in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. Regardless of the type of repair, the area should be isolated from the other areas of the house, and any equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and marked with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) is also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a manner that binds and covers the fibers to prevent them from become airborne. This can be done to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are first soaked so that they can be cut with various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. Then, they put the material in sturdy, leak-proof, air-tight containers for safe disposal. Removing or fixing Asbestos Asbestos is invulnerable to corrosion and heat. This makes it a useful material for thousands of products, including wallboard as well as fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. Asbestos is a poisonous substance that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are breathed in. Typically, these fibers are lodged in the lungs and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can impair breathing and cause serious health issues. Asbestos is found in many areas of the home, including ceiling and floor tiles, roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. It's important to check 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 disturb. If the material has to be repaired or replaced, or you are planning to make changes to your home that could cause disturbance to it, you must seek advice from an asbestos professional. They can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also give you suggestions on what adjustments are required and who qualifies. It is recommended that only these professionals handle asbestos. Some of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific products, and they are the only ones who should do corrective work on them. It is also recommended to contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos training programs offered in your area. Be ofallon asbestos attorney that there are companies which falsely claim they specialize in asbestos removal. These firms can be dangerous since they encourage removals that are not needed or perform them improperly which increases the risk of release of harmful fibers. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional, it is important to research the company thoroughly to make sure it's properly certified and insured. You can also request references from past clients, along with proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended to check with your local or state health and environmental agency to determine the best guidelines to follow if you are planning to renovate your home.