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How to Identify Asbestos Over the course of the last century asbestos was used in a myriad of products to make them more durable, fire resistant and less costly. But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Certain diseases have a long time of latency. This means it is difficult for people to detect an issue before it's late. Asbestos Identification Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials because they are fireproof and corrosion resistant, as well as insulating. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can be harmful to health. It can cause diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. These diseases can take years or even decades to be diagnosed. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to know how to identify asbestos. Medical tests that check for lung diseases are the most common way to detect asbestos. west virginia asbestos law firm include physical exams or chest X-rays as well as lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be diagnosed by using these tests alone, as they need to be combined with a thorough patient history that includes the person's work, home and the cultural context. It's possible to detect asbestos in a vast range of building materials and materials that include cement products, paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to identify because the fibers are small and light. They can effortlessly float through the air, and inhale without anyone not even realizing. They don't emit any distinctive smells, either. You can take a tiny sample if you suspect the substance you're looking at has asbestos. This should only be performed by a qualified 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. Certain groups of people are at greater risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. This includes plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, since they are more likely to encounter asbestos-containing items during maintenance and renovations. It is a good idea for anyone who works in these areas to complete an asbestos awareness course to be aware of the dangers and take the correct precautions. Take Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material that is suspect is required. The sample can be collected by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, but caution must be taken to limit the formation of dust that contains asbestos both during the collection of the sample, and during cleaning up afterwards. Typically, the person taking the sample should carry a vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. They must also wear a respirator which conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory safety devices while performing the task. It is best to conduct the sampling on a calm, non windy day, and ensure that cooling or heating systems are shut off, to reduce the release of any airborne asbestos particles. When collecting the sample, be sure that the area is sealed and that no children or pets can access the. The area to be sampled using the help of a damp rag. Then, clean any tools and equipment that were used after the sample has been completed. Place the rag into an unmarked plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the resealable container and the sample inside a second plastic bag. Seal it all together before labeling it as asbestos waste. Wet down the area to be cleaned again and place a drop sheet over it, to catch any fibres that are released. Asbestos is usually collected using a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is essential that the cassette isn't overloaded with dust, as this may obscure the fibres of the filter and cause a bias in the result. If the sample is collected in an area where there are high levels of non-fibrous dust, it could be necessary to use less air. While the majority of studies focus on long asbestos fibers but epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to short asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer as well. This indicates that size is just one of the factors that affect the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other factors like chemical properties such as dispersion staining, polarization and etching times are as well. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are spread or disturbed they can airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can trigger lung diseases. These microscopic fibers could cause asbestosis or mesothelioma as well with other neurological and respiratory conditions. The time of onset for many symptoms can be anywhere between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Unaltered asbestos isn't a health hazard, but when materials like insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can happen when you are working on a renovation or demolition project or even in normal home usage or aging. If you are planning on transforming your home, check with local health or environmental officials to see if your building has asbestos-containing materials. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered then it should be examined by an asbestos-certified inspector prior to beginning any work. If you're renovating an older home, make sure that any contractors you employ are licensed and certified. They should be able to provide 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 include whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs are possible on some ACM. However, only a professional who is skilled in asbestos safety should attempt these. No matter what kind of repair you make the area must be sealed from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be put into plastic bags and marked with a warning to prevent cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) is also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a manner that binds and covers the fibers to ensure they don't become airborne. This can be done on insulated pipes or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. The materials are first wetted to allow them to be cut with a variety of tools without releasing dangerous fibers. The material is then placed in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof. Repairing or removing asbestos Asbestos is impervious to corrosion and heat, which has made it an extremely useful component in thousands of products such as wallboard, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. However, asbestos is a toxic material that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs, which could be detrimental to breathing and can cause serious health problems. Asbestos can be found in many areas of the home, including floor and ceiling tiles, roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. Be sure to check these areas for water damage, abrasions, or tears. If the material is slightly damaged, it may be safe to touch or even disturb. If the material has to be repaired, or you're planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, then you should consult with an asbestos professional. They can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also provide advice on what corrections are required and who is certified. It is recommended that only these professionals handle asbestos. These professionals are educated in specific products and should be allowed to correct them. In addition, to talking with an asbestos specialist who is certified, you should contact your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on asbestos training programs in your area. Be wary of companies that claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms could be dangerous as they encourage unneeded removals or do them incorrectly and increase the risk of releasing harmful fibers. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. It is crucial to thoroughly research the company before hiring an asbestos expert to ensure that it is appropriately insured and certified. You can ask for references from previous clients, as along with proof of insurance and accreditation. You should also check with your local or state health and environmental departments for the appropriate steps to follow if are planning to remodel your house.