How to Identify Asbestos

Over the past century asbestos was used to make a myriad of products stronger and more resistant to fire and cheaper. However, exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Some of these diseases have a long period of latency. It’s hard to spot a problem until it’s too far gone.

Asbestos Identification

Asbestos can be described as a variety of naturally occurring minerals. They were previously used in building materials for their anti-corrosive, fire-proof and insulation properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can pose health risks. This can lead to the development of diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these illnesses don’t show up until years, or decades, after the initial exposure and are often confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it’s important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos.

Medical tests that test for lung diseases are the most commonly used method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests typically include physical examinations, chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests. These tests are not enough to detect asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a thorough history of the patient which includes information about a person’s job, home, as well as cultural environment.

It is possible to discover asbestos in a diverse variety of building products and materials such as cement products floor tiles, paints adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to identify because the fibers are so small and light. They can easily float through the air and breathe without anyone even noticing. They don’t emit any distinct smells either.

If you suspect a material might contain asbestos, you can collect the material as a sample. It is imperative that you only use a professional to remove asbestos, as it’s complicated and requires special equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to prevent the release of fibers, and take it to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website provides the list of accredited laboratories.

Certain groups of people are more at risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. These include plumbers, construction workers and electricians, as they are likely to see asbestos-containing materials in 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 know how to take the right precautions.

Doing Samples

For asbestos testing or inspection for asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material in question is required. This sample can be taken by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, however care must be taken to reduce the amount of dust containing asbestos that is airborne both during the collection of the sample as well as when cleaning up afterwards. Typically, the person taking the sample should be equipped with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, 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 collect samples on the day that isn’t windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will limit the exposure of asbestos-containing airborne particles.

When you collect the sample, make sure that the area is fully sealed off and that children or pets are not allowed in. Clean the area to be sampled with a damp rag and clean all equipment and tools that were used after the sample has been completed. 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 with the sample in another plastic bag, then seal it all before labelling it as asbestos waste. Place a plastic dropsheet over the area to be cleaned and wet it down once more. This will catch any fibres that escape.

Asbestos Settlement samples are typically collected by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette does not be suffocated with dust. This can block out the fibres and bias the results. If the sample is taken in an area with high amounts of dust that is not fibrous the smaller volume of air could be employed.

The epidemiological studies found that asbestos fibres of short length could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. This shows that size is not the only factor that affects the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres. Other parameters, such as chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining, as well as the time to etch are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed, they can become airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can trigger lung disease. These can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis or other neurological and respiratory problems. The time to develop symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Unaltered asbestos is not a health hazard, but when the materials like flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they might release harmful fibers. This can occur in the course of a renovation or demolition project, and also in normal home use or aging.

If you’re planning to renovate your home, ask local health or environment department to determine if the structure is contaminated with asbestos. If any asbestos-containing material is discovered, have it inspected by an asbestos inspector who is accredited before any work can begin.

When you’re planning to renovate an older home be sure that any contractors you hire have appropriate credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos settlement survey and report which includes an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to be friable. The survey should also specify whether the contractor will remove or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs can be made on some ACM. However, only a professional who is educated in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. No matter what type of repair is done the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be put into plastic bags and labeled with a warning to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal or cover ACM to stop it from releasing fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a chemical which binds or covers the fibers to prevent them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated piping or to cover old shingles.

Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are initially soaked to allow them to be cut with various tools without releasing harmful fibers. Then, they place the materials in durable, leak-proof air-tight containers for safe disposal.

Repairing or removing asbestos

Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion. This makes it a suitable material for a variety of products including wallboards as well as fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This can impact breathing and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos is found in a variety of areas of a home, including floor and ceiling tiles roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is crucial to check these areas frequently for tears, abrasions, or asbestos Settlement water damage. If the material is only slightly damaged, it may be safe to touch it or disturb it. If the material requires to be repaired, or you’re planning to make changes to your home that could cause disturbance to it, you must seek advice from an asbestos professional.

These experts can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also provide suggestions on what adjustments are required and who qualifies. You should only let these professionals handle asbestos. They are educated in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them.

In addition to consulting a trained asbestos professional You should also contact your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for information about asbestos training programs in your region. Be aware of companies who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms could be dangerous because they promote unnecessary removals or make them in a way that isn’t properly done which increases the risk of releasing harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional it is essential to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure that it’s certified and insured. You can also ask for references from previous clients, along with evidence of accreditation as well as insurance coverage. You should also inquire with your local or state health and environmental departments for the proper steps to follow if plan to remodel your home.