How to Identify Asbestos In the past century asbestos was utilized in a variety of products to make them stronger, more resistant to fire and less costly But exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause lung disease such as asbestosis and mesothelioma Certain diseases may have a long-lasting latent period It is difficult to detect the presence of a problem until it is too far gone Asbestos Identification Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials due to the fact that they are fireproof, corrosion resistant and an insulator It can, however, cause health hazards when the microscopic fibers inhaled It can cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis These illnesses can take years or even decades to manifest their symptoms They are often mistaken as flu-like symptoms This is why it's crucial for people to know how to identify asbestos Medical tests that test for lung disease are the most commonly used method to find asbestos These tests include a physical exam, chest X-rays, and lung function tests However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed using these tests on their own, since they require a combination with a thorough history of the patient that examines a person's home, work and the cultural context It is possible to detect asbestos in a vast range of building materials and materials such as cement paints, floor tiles, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding However, asbestos is difficult to recognize since the dangerous fibers are so small and light that they can easily flounder in the air and inhale without being detected They also don't create any distinct smells You can take a small sample if you suspect a material contains asbestos It is important that you only use a professional to remove asbestos since it's complicated and requires special equipment Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program NVLAP The NVLAP website provides the list of accredited laboratories Certain groups of people are more at 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 maintenance and renovations https//vimeocom/704933502 working in these fields must take an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the risks and know how to take the right precautions Taking Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the suspected material is required The sample could be taken by a professional asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, however it is important to minimise the generation of dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the process of collecting the sample and when cleaning up afterwards The person who collects the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls to provide protection While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716 2003 Respiratory protective device It is recommended to conduct the sample collection on a non windy day, and ensure that cooling or heating systems are turned off, since this will reduce the release of any airborne asbestos particles When collecting the sample make sure that the area is sealed and that no pets or children are allowed to enter After the sample has been taken, wipe down all equipment and tools using a damp cloth Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it in an asbestos-free disposal facility that is licensed Place the re-sealable bag with the sample inside a second plastic bag, and seal it up before declaring it asbestos waste Put a dropsheet of plastic on the area that must be cleaned, and then wet it down again This will trap any fibres that are released Asbestos samples are typically collected by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled It is vital that the cassette isn't overloaded with dust, because this could obscure the fibres of the filter, causing an unintended bias in the outcome If the sample is collected in an area with large quantities of nonfibrous dust may be necessary to utilize an air sample with a smaller volume The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres that are short could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer This indicates that size is just one factor that influences asbestos fibers' pathogenicity and that other parameters like chemical properties and dispersion staining, dispersion polarization and etching times are also involved Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed If inhaled, these microscopic fibers could cause lung diseases These microscopic fibers can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma aswell with other neurological and respiratory disorders The latency period for many symptoms can take anywhere between 20 and 50 years after exposure Unaltered asbestos isn't an hazard to health, but when materials like insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they may release harmful fibers This can occur during a demolition or renovation project or even during normal home usage or aging If you plan on remodeling your home, make sure you check with local health or environmental officials to see if your building contains asbestos-containing materials If any asbestos-containing material is discovered to be asbestos-containing, it must be inspected by an asbestos inspector who is accredited prior to any work being started If you are renovating an older house, ensure that the contractors you hire have the proper credentials They should be able conduct an asbestos survey and report which includes an assessment of the state of any asbestos-containing material ACM and their brittleness The survey should also include whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact Minor repairs may be possible on some ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional with experience in techniques for safely handling asbestos should attempt the repairs Whatever the kind of repair, the area should be sealed off from the other areas of the house, and any equipment or clothing should be placed in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning so as to avoid cross-contamination Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from being released into the environment Sealing encapsulation is also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a manner that binds and covers the fibers to prevent them from become airborne This can be done to insulated pipes or to cover old shingles Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM This is accomplished by wetting the materials so that they can be scraped or cut with different tools, without releasing harmful fibers The materials are then put in airtight, tough containers that are leakproof Removing or replacing Asbestos Asbestos is impervious to heat and corrosion and has been an extremely useful material for hundreds of products, including wallboard, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes Asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause respiratory issues when fibers inhaled These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs, which could impact breathing and cause serious health issues Asbestos is present in a variety of places within the home, including floor and ceiling tiles roofing shingles exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound It's important to check these areas regularly for damage, tears, or damage If the material is little damaged, it might be safe to touch or move However when the material is in need of repair or you plan to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you must consult an asbestos professional These experts can conduct a visual inspection and take samples They can also give you advice about the corrective measures that need to be made and who is qualified to perform them It is vital to let experts handle your asbestos Some of these professionals have specialized training in specific products, and they're the only ones who should do corrective work on them It is also recommended to contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the US Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos training programs offered in your area Be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to be experts in asbestos removal These firms pose a threat because they encourage or carry out unnecessary removals, increasing the likelihood of harmful fibers being released The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies Before you hire an asbestos professional it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure it's accredited and insured You can also request references from previous clients, and also proof of accreditation and insurance coverage You should also consult your state or local health and environmental authorities to determine the best procedures to follow if you are planning to renovate your home