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How to Identify Asbestos In the last century asbestos was utilized in a variety of products to make them stronger, more resistant to fire and less costly. But exposure to asbestos in the air fibers can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Some of these illnesses can have a long-lasting latent period. It's difficult to identify a problem until it's too far gone. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that were used in building materials as they are fireproof and corrosion resistant, as well as insulation. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can create health risks. This is often the cause of diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. These diseases can take a long time or even decades to display their symptoms. They are often mistaken as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos. The most common way to detect asbestos is by medical tests to look for lung diseases. These tests include a physical exam, chest X rays and lung function tests. These tests aren't enough to detect asbestos-related diseases. palm bay asbestos lawyer must be combined with a comprehensive history of the patient which includes information about a person's work, home, and the culture of their environment. Asbestos can be found in a myriad of building products and materials, such as cement, paints and floor tiles. It is also found in doors, insulation partitions, cladding and Artex. However, asbestos can be difficult to identify because the harmful fibers are tiny and light that they may easily float in the air and breathed in without being observed. They also don't produce any distinctive smells. If you think a substance could be contaminated with asbestos, you can collect one of the samples. This should only be done by a qualified professional, because removing asbestos is complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape in order 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 has a list of accredited laboratories. It's easy to accidentally damage asbestos, and the risk of doing this can be more pronounced for certain groups of people. This includes construction workers, plumbers and electricians as they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing items during renovations and maintenance. It's recommended for anyone who works in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness training course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and can be aware of the appropriate precautions to take. Take Samples To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection, a sample from the suspected material is required. This sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is important to be careful not to produce asbestos-containing dust in the air during the cleaning and collection process. Typically, the person who is taking the sample should carry a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. When performing the task, they should wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is recommended to carry out the sampling on a calm, non windy day, and ensure that heating or cooling systems are turned off as this will minimise the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles. When you collect the sample, make sure the area is completely sealed and that pets and children are allowed to access the. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled using a damp rag and clean all equipment and tools utilized after the sample 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 resealable bag along with the sample in a separate plastic bag. Secure it all before labeling it as asbestos waste. Place a plastic dropsheet over the area that needs to be cleaned and then wet it down once more. This will capture any fibres that escape. Asbestos can be filtered with an already-assembled pump and cassette system. It is crucial to ensure that the cassette does not become overloaded with dust. This can obscure fibers and distort results. If the sample was taken in an area that has significant levels of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to utilize an air sample with a smaller volume. The epidemiological research found that asbestos fibres that are short can also trigger mesothelioma or lung cancer. This indicates that size isn't the only one of the factors influencing asbestos fibers' pathogenicity and that other parameters such as chemical properties, dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are as well. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed they can airborne. If inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers may cause asbestosis or mesothelioma as well in other neurological and respiratory diseases. The latency period for many symptoms can be anywhere between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Unaltered asbestos isn't dangerous to health, however when insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This could happen during a renovation or demolition project, or during normal home use or as the house ages. If you plan on remodeling your home, you should consult local health or environmental officials to determine if the structure contains asbestos materials. If asbestos is found in your home, get it checked before any work is started by an asbestos inspector who is accredited. If you're planning to renovate an older home, make sure that the contractors you hire are licensed and certified. They should be able to provide an asbestos survey and report which includes an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their friability. The survey should also specify whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs are feasible on certain ACM. However only a professional certified in the safe handling of asbestos should attempt these. No matter what repair is completed it is essential that the area be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be placed into plastic bags and marked with a warning in order to avoid 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 keep them from becoming airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. This process begins by wetting the materials in order that they can be cut or scraped with various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. They then place the material in durable, leakproof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal. Removing or fixing Asbestos Asbestos is abrasive to corrosion and heat. This makes it an ideal material for thousands of products such as wallboard as well as 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 could cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can make breathing difficult and lead to serious health issues. Asbestos can be found in a variety of areas of homes, including floor and ceiling tiles roof shingles exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is important to inspect these areas regularly for tears, abrasions or damage. If the material is slighty damaged, it might be safe to touch or move. However, if the material is damaged or you are planning to make changes in your home that could affect it, you should speak with an asbestos expert. They can conduct a visual inspection as well as take samples. They can also provide advice on what corrections are required and who's qualified. You should only let these experts handle asbestos. These professionals are trained in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them. You can also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos-related programs in your area. Beware of firms that claim to have a specialization in asbestos removal. These companies are risky since they promote or perform unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the chance of harmful fibers being released. The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist it is essential to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure that it's certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as and proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also consult your state or local health and environmental departments to determine the best procedures to follow if you are planning to renovate your home.