How to Identify Asbestos
In the last century, asbestos was used in a variety of products to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Some of these diseases have a lengthy latency time. It's hard to spot a problem until it's too long gone.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials as they are fire resistant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulate. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can pose health risks. It is common for them to cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these illnesses don't appear until several years, or decades after the first exposure. They're frequently mistaken for flu-like symptoms. It is essential that people know how to recognize asbestos.
The most popular method to identify asbestos is through medical tests to look for lung disease. These tests usually include a physical examination including chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed by using these tests alone, as they have to be taken with a thorough history of the patient that includes the person's work, home and cultural environment.
It is possible to discover asbestos in a diverse range of building products and materials, including cement products, floor tiles, paints adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos is difficult for people to detect because the fibers are small and light. They can easily float through the air and inhale without anyone not even realizing. They also don't create any distinctive smells.
You can take a tiny sample if you suspect that the material you are looking at contains asbestos. This should be done by a trained professional, because the process of removing asbestos is complex and requires special equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape in order 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 is available on the NVLAP web site.
Certain categories of people are at a greater risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. This includes plumbers, construction workers and electricians, as they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials in renovations and maintenance. Anyone who works in these fields should take an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and are aware of the necessary precautions.
Doing Samples
To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection for asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material in question is required. The sample can be collected by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, however caution must be taken to limit the formation of asbestos-containing dust in the air both during the collection of the sample and when cleaning up afterwards. The person who takes the sample will typically need a HEPA-filtered air vacuum cleaner and a spray bottle of water, and disposable coveralls for protection. When performing the task, they should wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protection device. farmington hills asbestos attorney is recommended to collect samples on an unwinding day. windy and turn off the heating or cooling system. This will limit the airborne asbestos particles.
When you collect the sample, ensure that the area is fully closed off and that pets or children are not allowed to enter. After the sample is taken, wipe down all instruments and equipment using a damp cloth. Place the cloth in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the resealable bag along with the sample inside a second plastic bag. Seal it all together before labeling it as asbestos waste. Put a dropsheet of plastic on the area to be cleaned and then wet it down once more. This will capture any fibres that escape.
Asbestos is typically removed using an already-assembled pump and cassette system. It is essential to ensure that the cassette does not be suffocated with dust. This could obscure the fibres and bias the results. If the sample is being collected in an area with high amounts of dust that is not fibrous the smaller volume of air could be used.
The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres that are short can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This shows that size isn't the only factor that influences the pathogenicity asbestos fibres. 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 may become airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. These microscopic fibers, once inhaled, may cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers may cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well in other neurological and respiratory disorders. The time between onset and recurrence of symptoms can range between 20 and 50 years after exposure.
Undisturbed asbestos does not pose a health risk, but when the insulation, shingles, and flooring are damaged or worn out they could release harmful fibers. This can occur when you are working on a renovation or demolition project, and also in normal home use or the aging process.
If you're planning to remodel your home, you should ask your local health or environmental department whether the building has asbestos. If asbestos is discovered in your home, get it checked before any work starts by an accredited asbestos inspector.
If you're planning to renovate an older home, be sure that the contractors you choose to hire have the appropriate credentials. They should be able supply an asbestos report and survey that contains an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The survey should specify whether or the contractor will be removing the ACM.
Repairs of minor nature are possible with certain ACM however only a professional with experience in ways to safely handle asbestos should attempt the repairs. Whatever the kind of repair, the area must be kept separate from the rest 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 prevent fibers from being released into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical which binds or covers the fibers to prevent them from being airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles.
Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The materials are first soaked to allow them to be cut using a variety of tools without releasing dangerous fibers. The materials are then put in airtight, durable containers that are leak-proof.
Repairing or removing Asbestos
Asbestos is resistant to heat and corrosion which makes it a very useful material in thousands of products including walls, fireproofing materials and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that could cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This could impact breathing and cause serious health problems.
Asbestos is found in numerous areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. Be sure to check these areas for water damage, abrasions, or tears. Materials that are slightly damaged can be safe if it is not disturbed or touched. If the material must be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, then consult an asbestos professional.
These experts can conduct an inspection of the visuals and take samples. They can also provide advice on what corrections are required and who's qualified. It is essential that you let the experts handle your asbestos. These professionals are certified in specific products and should only be permitted to correct them.
In addition to consulting with an asbestos specialist who is certified and contacting your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for information about asbestos-related training programs in your region. Be aware of the many companies that falsely claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms are dangerous because they encourage or carry out ineffective removals, which increases the chance of harmful fibers being released.
The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos expert it is crucial to research the company thoroughly to ensure that it's certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients and also confirmation of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you check with your state or local health and environmental authorities to learn about the procedures that are required if you're planning to do any remodeling within your home.