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How to Identify Asbestos
Over the past century asbestos was used to make thousands of products stronger, more resistant to fire, and cheaper. The exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Certain diseases may have a long latent period. This makes it difficult for patients to recognize 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 retardant, corrosion resistant and insulating. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can cause health hazards. This can lead to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until years, even years after the initial exposure. They're often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to recognize asbestos.
Medical tests that test for lung diseases are the most common way to identify asbestos. The tests typically consist of a physical examination as well as chest X-rays, and lung function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed with these tests alone, as they must be paired with a thorough history of the patient which includes a thorough examination of a person's work, home and their cultural surroundings.
It is possible to find asbestos in a wide variety of building products and materials, including cement products flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. However, asbestos is difficult to recognize since the harmful fibers are tiny and light that they can easily flounder in the air and then be breathed in without being detected. They also don't create any distinct smells.
If you suspect that a particular material could contain asbestos, you can collect a sample of it. This should be done by a trained professional, because removing asbestos is complex and requires specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of accredited laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site.
It's easy to accidentally disturb asbestos and the risk of doing this can be significantly higher for certain groups of people. dothan asbestos attorney include construction workers, plumbers and electricians, as they are likely to see asbestos-containing items during maintenance and renovations. It's recommended for those who work in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness training course so that they understand the dangers and are able to be aware of the appropriate precautions to take.
Take Samples
A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is crucial to ensure that you don't create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the collection and cleaning process. Typically the person taking the sample should have a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While performing the task, they must wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to collect samples on a day that is not windy and turn off the cooling or heating system. This will reduce the release of airborne asbestos particles.
When collecting the sample ensure that the area is closed off and that any pets or children are not allowed in. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled using a damp rag, and clean any tools and equipment utilized after the sample 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 resealable bag along with the sample into a second plastic bag. Seal it all together before declaring it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned a second time and place a plastic drop sheet over it, to catch any fibres that escape.
Asbestos is typically removed using a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is crucial that the cassette is not filled with dust as this can obscure the fibres of the filter and cause an imbalance in the results. If the sample is being taken from an area that has high levels of dust that is not fibrous, a smaller volume of air can be used.
While most testing focuses on asbestos fibers that are long but epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer as well. This shows that size isn't the only factor influencing the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers. Other parameters, such as chemical property, polarization, dispersion staining as well as the time required to etch are also a factor.
Identifying Professionals
Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. Inhaling the microscopic fibers may cause lung disease. They can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological problems. The latency period for many symptoms can be anywhere between 20 and 50 years after exposure.
Asbestos that is not disturbed does not pose a health risk, but when the insulation, shingles, and flooring are damaged or deteriorate they may release harmful fibers. This could happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, as well as during normal home use or when the material ages.
If you plan on remodeling your home, make sure you check with local officials from the environmental or health department to determine if the structure has asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is found in your home, it is recommended to be inspected prior to any work starts by an accredited asbestos inspector.
When you're planning to renovate an older home, make sure any contractors you hire have necessary qualifications. They must be able provide an asbestos survey and report that includes an assessment of the state of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to withstand friability. The survey should also state whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact.
Minor repairs are possible on certain ACM. However only a professional educated in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. No matter what kind of repair is done it is essential that the area be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be placed into plastic bags and labeled with a warning to prevent cross-contamination.
Professionals can cover or seal ACM to prevent it from dispersing fibers into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation), also known as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a way that binds and coats the fibers, ensuring that 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 structure. The process begins by soaking the materials so that they can be scraped or cut using a variety of tools, without releasing harmful fibers. They then place the material in sturdy, leakproof and air-tight containers that are safe for disposal.
Removing or fixing Asbestos
Asbestos is resistant to corrosion and heat which makes it an extremely useful component in thousands of products including walls, fireproofing materials and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an irritant that can cause respiratory issues when fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up trapped in the lungs. They can cause scarring and inflammation of the tissues, which can make breathing difficult and cause serious health issues.
Asbestos is found in many 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 regularly for any tears, abrasions or damage. If the material is only slightly damaged, it may be safe to touch or disturb. If the material requires to be repaired or you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, then you should consult an asbestos professional.
They can conduct an inspection by visuals and also take samples. They can also give you advice about the corrective measures that need to be done and who is qualified to do them. You should only let these professionals handle asbestos. Some of these professionals are trained in specific asbestos products, and only they should do corrective work on them.
You can also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos training programs available in your area. Also, be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies are risky since they promote or perform unneeded removals, which increase the possibility of harmful asbestos fibers being released.
The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional it is crucial to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure that it is accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as along with proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also consult your local or state health and environmental departments for the proper guidelines to follow if you intend to remodel your home.