How to Identify Asbestos
Over the course of the last century asbestos was used in a variety of products, to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. Inhaling asbestos fibers in the air can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Some of these diseases can have a long time of latent. This makes it difficult for people to identify a problem before it's too late.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials as they are fire retardant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulation. Inhaling the tiny fibres could pose health risks. It can cause diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases do not show up until years, or decades, after the initial exposure and are often mistaken for flu-like symptoms. It's vital that people understand how to identify asbestos.
Medical tests that test for lung disease are the most frequent method to detect asbestos. These tests usually consist of a physical examination, chest X-rays and tests for pulmonary function. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed with these tests on their own, since they have to be taken with a thorough history of the patient that examines a person's work, home and the cultural context.
It's possible to find asbestos in a broad assortment of building products and materials such as cement products flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. However, asbestos can be difficult to detect because the harmful fibers are small and light that they can easily flounder in the air and inhale without being observed. They don't emit any distinctive smells, either.
If you suspect that a product might contain asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. It is important that only a professional can remove asbestos, as it's an extremely complex process that requires special equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to stop the release of fibers and send it to an asbestos analysis laboratory certified by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories is available on the NVLAP website.
Certain groups of people are at greater chance of accidentally damaging asbestos. These include plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, because they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing materials during maintenance and renovations. It's a good idea to encourage anyone who works in these areas to complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the risks and can use the proper precautions.
Take Samples
A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. hillsboro asbestos lawyer can be taken by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, but it is important to minimise the generation of asbestos-containing dust in the air during the process of collecting the sample and while cleaning up afterwards. The person taking the sample will usually require an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters, a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator in accordance with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to carry out the sampling on a calm, non windy day and make sure that heating or cooling systems are off, since this will reduce the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles.
If you are collecting the sample, make sure that the area is fully sealed off and that children or pets are not allowed to enter. After the sample has been collected and cleaned, clean the tools and equipment with a damp cloth. Place the rag in a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the re-sealable bag containing the sample inside a different plastic bag, and seal it all up before declaring it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned once again and place a drop sheet over it, to catch any fibres that escape.
Asbestos is typically removed using a pre-assembled pumps and cassette system. It is essential to ensure that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, as this may obscure the fibres in the filter and cause a bias in the result. If the sample is located in an area with high levels of non-fibrous dust, it may be necessary to utilize an air sample with a smaller volume.
While the majority of research focuses on long asbestos fibers however, epidemiological studies have found that exposure to short asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer too. This proves that size isn't the only factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres. Other factors like chemical property, polarization, dispersion staining, as well as the time required to etch are also a factor.
Identifying Professionals
When asbestos fibers are dispersed or disturbed, they can become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers could cause asbestosis or mesothelioma as well in other neurological and respiratory diseases. The time to develop symptoms can vary from 20 to 50 years after exposure.
Unaltered asbestos isn't an hazard to health, but when flooring, insulation, and shingles are damaged, they can release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project, or even during regular home usage or aging.
If you are planning to redesign your home, ask local health or environment officials whether the building is asbestos-free. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered and inspected, you must have it checked by an asbestos inspector who is accredited prior to any work being started.
When you're renovating an older home, make sure any contractors you employ have the necessary qualifications. They should 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 indicate whether or the contractor will take away the ACM.
Minor repairs are possible on certain ACM. However, only a professional trained in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. Regardless of the type of repair, the site should be sealed off from the rest of the home and any equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic bags and labeled with a warning to avoid cross-contamination.
Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from dispersing fibers into the atmosphere. Sealing (encapsulation), also known as encapsulation, is the process of treating the material in a manner that binds and coats the fibers to prevent them from become airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles.
Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are first wetted in order to enable them to be cut using various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. Then they place the material in durable, leakproof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal.
Removing or replacing Asbestos
Asbestos is abrasive to corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for thousands of products including wallboards, fireproofing insulation, and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up trapped in the lungs and can lead to tissue inflammation and scarring which can make breathing difficult and cause serious health problems.
Asbestos can be found in numerous parts of your home, including roof shingles, cement pipes, floor and ceiling tiles and joint compound made of asbestos. Examine these areas for water damage or abrasions. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe if it is not disturbed or touched. However, if the material is in need of repair or you plan to make changes to your home that might disturb it, you need to speak with an asbestos expert.
These experts can carry out an inspection visually and also take samples. They can also offer suggestions on what adjustments are required and who is certified. It is crucial to let these experts handle your asbestos. Certain of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific asbestos products, and only they must perform the corrective work on them.
You should also contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos-related programs in your region. Be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies pose a risk because they encourage or perform unneeded removals, which increase the likelihood of harmful fibers being released.
The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional, it is important to thoroughly research the company to ensure that it is accredited and insured. You can also request references from past clients, and also confirmation of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you contact your state or local health and environmental agencies to determine the procedure that should be followed when planning to undertake any renovations at home.