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How to Identify AsbestosOver the course of the last century asbestos was used in a myriad of products to make them stronger, more resistant to fire and less expensive. However, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.Some of these illnesses can have a long latent period. This makes it difficult for people to recognize a problem before it's too late.Identifying AsbestosAsbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials due to the fact that they are fire-resistant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulating. However, it could pose health risks when the tiny fibers are inhaled. This is often the cause of diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases don't appear until several years, or decades after initial exposure. They are often mistaken for flu-like symptoms. It's essential to know how to identify the asbestos.Medical tests to check for lung diseases are the most popular method to identify asbestos. These tests include physical exams, chest X rays and lung function tests. These tests aren't sufficient to identify asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a thorough history of the patient that includes the person's work, home, and the culture of their environment.Asbestos is found in a variety of construction products and materials, such as cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also present in insulation, doors partitions, cladding and Artex. Asbestos can be difficult for people to detect because the fibers are tiny and light. They can easily float through the air and breathe without anyone noticing. They don't have distinct smells either.If you think a substance could be contaminated with asbestos, you can take a sample of it. It is essential that only a professional can remove asbestos since it's a complex process and requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site.It's very easy to accidentally damage asbestos and the danger of doing so is more pronounced for certain groups of people. These include plumbers, construction workers, and electricians, because they are likely to see asbestos-containing products during renovations and maintenance. Any person who works in these fields should attend an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the dangers and how to take the necessary precautions.Take SamplesFor asbestos testing or inspection for asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the suspect material is needed. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or by the homeowner, however caution must be taken to limit the formation of dust that contains asbestos throughout the collection of the sample and while cleaning up afterwards. The person who collects the sample will typically need a HEPA-filtered air cleaner as well as a spray bottle filled with water, and disposable covers for protection. While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to carry out the sample collection on a non windy day and ensure that cooling or heating systems are shut off, since this will reduce the release of any airborne asbestos particles.If you are collecting the sample, ensure that the area is fully sealed off and that pets or children aren't allowed to enter. Clean the area to be sampled with the help of a damp rag. Then, wipe all tools and equipment used once the sampling is completed. Place the rag into an unmarked plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that is resealable and the sample in a second plastic bag. Seal it all together before labeling it as asbestos waste. Place a plastic dropsheet over the area to be cleaned and then wet it again. This will capture any fibres that are released.Asbestos sample are typically taken by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is essential to ensure that the cassette doesn't be suffocated with dust. This can obscure the fibres and bias the results. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, a smaller air volume can be utilized.While most testing focuses on asbestos fibers that are long but epidemiological studies have found that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short may cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well. This suggests that size is just one factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other factors like chemical properties such as dispersion staining, polarization and etching times are as well.Identifying ProfessionalsWhen asbestos fibers are disturbed or spread they can be airborne. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause lung disease. They could cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other neurological and respiratory ailments. The symptoms can manifest from in the 20 to 50 years following.Unaltered asbestos is not a health hazard, but when the materials like flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can happen during a demolition or renovation project or even during normal home usage or the aging process.If you are planning to remodel your home, inquire with your local health or environment officials if the building contains asbestos. If asbestos is discovered in your home, get it checked before any work is started by an accredited asbestos inspector.When you're renovating an older home Make sure that any contractors you choose to hire have the proper qualifications. They must be able conduct an asbestos survey and report that includes an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to be friable. The survey should also indicate whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact.Minor repairs may be possible with certain ACM however only a trained professional who knows the techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt them. No matter what type of repair, the site should be sealed off from the surrounding area and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be put in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop the fibers from being released into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a manner that binds and covers the fibers, ensuring that they don't become airborne. This can be done to insulated pipe or to cover old shingles.Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are then soaked in order to enable them to be cut using various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. They then place the material in sturdy, leakproof and air-tight containers that are safe for disposal.Repairing or removing asbestosAsbestos is invulnerable to corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for thousands of products including wallboards, fireproofing insulation, and auto brakes. However, asbestos is a toxic material that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up stuck in the lungs, and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can impair breathing and cause serious health problems.Asbestos can be found in numerous parts of your home including roof shingles, cement pipes and floor and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound made of asbestos. Check these areas for damage or abrasions. oxnard asbestos attorneys that are slightly damaged can be safe if not manipulated or damaged. However should the material be damaged or you plan to make changes in your home that could affect it, you must consult an asbestos professional.They can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also provide advice about what corrections need to be made and who is qualified to perform them. It is important to let these experts handle your asbestos. These professionals have been trained in specific asbestos products and should be permitted to correct them.You should also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos training programs available in your region. Beware of firms who claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These companies can be risky as they encourage unneeded removals or conduct them improperly, increasing the danger of releasing harmful fibers.The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist, it is important to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure that it is certified and insured. You can ask for references from previous clients as and proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to check with your state or local environmental and health agencies to determine the procedure that should be followed when planning to do any remodeling within your home.