How to Identify Asbestos
In the past century asbestos was used to make a variety of products stronger and more resistant to fire, and less expensive. However, exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Some of these illnesses can have a long-lasting latent period. This makes it difficult to identify a problem before it's too late.
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were once utilized in building materials because of their fire retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulating properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could create health risks. This could lead to illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take a long time, or even decades, to manifest their symptoms. They are often mistaken as flu-like symptoms. It is essential that people know how to recognize asbestos.
Medical tests to check for lung disease are the most popular method to identify asbestos. These tests usually consist of physical examinations as well as chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests. However, asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed with these tests on their own, since they require a combination with a thorough history of the patient that looks at a person's home, work and cultural environment.
federal way asbestos lawyer is possible to find asbestos in a broad variety of building products and materials that include 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 throughout the air and then inhale without anyone being aware. They don't emit any distinct smells or odors.
You can take a small sample if you suspect that the substance you're looking at has asbestos. It is imperative that you only use a professional to remove asbestos, as 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 accredited laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site.
It's very easy to accidentally alter the asbestos in a way and the danger of doing this is significantly higher for certain groups of people. Plumbers, construction workers, and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure when they work on renovations or maintenance. It's a good idea for those who work in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness course so that they understand the dangers and can make the right precautions.
Take Samples
A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is important to take care not to create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the taking and cleaning. Typically the person taking the sample should carry an HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While performing the task, they should wear a respirator that is in compliance with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to carry out the collection of samples on a non windy day and make sure that heating or cooling systems are turned off as this will minimise the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles.
When collecting the sample, be sure the area is completely sealed off and that pets and children are allowed to enter. After the sample has been collected clean all instruments and equipment using a damp cloth. Place the rag into an unmarked plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample inside a different plastic bag, then seal it all up before declaring it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned up again and then place a plastic drop sheet over it to catch any fibres that escape.
Asbestos is typically filtered using a pre-assembled pumps and cassette system. It is vital that the cassette does not get filled with dust because this could obscure the fibers on the filter and create an unintended bias in the outcome. If the sample was taken in an area with large quantities of nonfibrous dust, it may be necessary to utilize an air sample with a smaller volume.
The epidemiological studies found that short asbestos fibres can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This indicates that size is not the only one factor that influences the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other parameters like chemical properties, dispersion staining, polarization, and etching times are also involved.
Identifying Professionals
When asbestos fibers are disturbed or spread they can be airborne. If inhaled, these microscopic fibers could cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma as well with other neurological and respiratory disorders. The time between onset and recurrence of symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure.
Unaffected asbestos is not any health risks, but when insulation, shingles, or flooring are damaged or deteriorate and release harmful fibers. This can occur during a demolition or renovation project, or in normal home use or aging.
If you are planning to remodel your home, make sure you check with local health or environmental officials to determine if the building has asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos-containing materials are found to be asbestos-containing, it must be inspected by an accredited asbestos inspector prior to any work being started.
When you're planning to renovate an older home, make sure any contractors you choose to hire have the required qualifications. They must be able to provide an asbestos report and survey which includes an assessment on the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The report should include whether or whether the contractor will eliminate the ACM.
Minor repairs are possible on some ACM. However only a professional certified in asbestos handling safely should attempt these. No matter what type of repair you make the area should be protected from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be placed into plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination.
Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from release of fibers into the air. Sealing (encapsulation), also known as encapsulation, is the process of treating the material in a way that binds and coats the fibers to ensure they don't become airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles.
Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The materials are first soaked so that they can be cut with a variety of tools without releasing dangerous fibers. Then, they put the material in durable, leakproof, air-tight containers for safe disposal.
Removing or replacing Asbestos
Asbestos is invulnerable to heat and corrosion. This makes it an ideal material for thousands of products, including wallboard, fireproofing insulation, and auto brakes. However, asbestos is a toxic material that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers get trapped in the lungs and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can cause breathing problems and lead to serious health issues.
Asbestos is present in many areas of a home which includes roof shingles cement pipes, floor and ceiling tiles, and joint compound that contains asbestos. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears. If the material is only slightly damaged, it may be safe to touch or even disturb. If the material must be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home that could affect it, you must consult an asbestos professional.
They can conduct an inspection visually and also take samples. They can also give you advice on what corrections are required and who is certified. It is best to let experts handle asbestos. Some of them are trained in specific products, and only they are qualified to perform remedial work on them.
You can also contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos-related training programs that are available in your area. Be aware that there are companies that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These firms can be dangerous because they promote unnecessary removals or conduct them improperly, increasing the danger of release of harmful asbestos fibers.
The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure that it is certified and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as well as proofs of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended that you consult your state or local environmental and health agencies to find out what procedures should be followed if you're planning to undertake any renovations at home.