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How to Identify Asbestos In the last century, asbestos was used to make a variety of products stronger, more resistant to fire and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung disease such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Some of these diseases have a long time of latency. This makes it difficult for people to detect an issue before it's late. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials since they are fireproof and corrosion resistant, as well as insulation. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could pose health risks. It can cause diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases don't show up until years, or years after the first exposure. They're frequently misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to know how to recognize asbestos. Medical tests that test for lung disease are the most popular method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests usually consist of a physical examination including chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be identified by these tests on their own, since they have to be taken with a thorough health history that examines a person's home, work and cultural environment. It's possible to find asbestos in a broad variety of building products and materials such as cement products flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult for people to detect because the fibers are so small and light. They are able to easily glide through the air, and inhale without anyone noticing. They don't also emit distinctive smells. If you suspect that a product might contain asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. This should only be performed by a professional who is trained, because the process of removing asbestos is complex 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 website. Certain groups of people are more at risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. Plumbers, construction workers, and electricians are at risk of asbestos exposure in maintenance and renovations. Any person who works in these fields should attend an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and know how to take the proper precautions. Take Samples A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be collected by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, however it is important to minimize the production of dust containing asbestos that is airborne throughout the collection of the sample, and during cleaning up afterwards. Typically, the person taking the sample must have a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner a water spray bottle, and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. When they are performing the task they should wear a respirator in accordance with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is recommended to take samples on an occasion that isn't windy and turn off the heating or cooling system. This will reduce the exposure of asbestos-containing airborne particles. When you collect the sample, make sure that the area is sealed off and that no pets or children can get into the. Wet down the area to be sampled using a damp rag and wipe all tools and equipment used once the sampling has been completed. Place the rag into an unmarked plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos-free facility that is approved by the government. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample inside a different plastic bag, and seal it all before declaring it asbestos waste. Make sure to rinse the area to be cleaned again and place a plastic drop sheet over it to catch any fibres that escape. Asbestos sample are typically taken through a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette doesn't become overloaded with dust. This can block out fibers and affect the results. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, the smaller volume of air could be utilized. While the majority of research focuses on long asbestos fibers, the epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer as well. This indicates that size is only one of the factors that affect the pathogenicity of asbestos fibres and that other parameters like chemical properties and dispersion staining, polarization, and etching times are as well. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are spread or disturbed they can airborne. Inhaling these microscopic fibers could cause lung diseases. They can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis or other neurological and respiratory ailments. The symptoms can manifest from after 20 to 50 years. Undisturbed asbestos does not pose an health risk, however when the insulation, shingles, and flooring are damaged or deteriorate they may release harmful fibers. This can happen during a demolition or renovation project, as well as in normal home use or aging. If you're planning to redesign your home, ask your local health or environment department to determine if the structure is contaminated with asbestos. If asbestos is found in your home, you should be inspected prior to any work starts by an accredited asbestos inspector. When you're planning to renovate an older home, make sure any contractors you hire have necessary credentials. They should be able supply an asbestos report and survey that contains an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should specify whether or not the contractor will remove the ACM. Minor repairs may be possible on certain ACM repairs, but only a professional trained in techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt them. No matter what repair you make, the area must be sealed from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be put in plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can cover or seal ACM to stop it from release of fibers into the air. 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 on insulated pipes or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a structure. The materials are then soaked to allow them to be cut with various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. The materials are then put in airtight and durable containers that are leakproof. Removing or repairing Asbestos Asbestos is impervious to heat and corrosion and has been an extremely useful component in many different products like wallboards, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are breathed in. Typically, these fibers get trapped in the lungs and may cause scarring and inflammation of the tissues, which can hinder breathing and cause serious health issues. Asbestos can be found in a variety of areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. Check these areas for damage, abrasions, or tears. Materials that are slightly damaged can be safe as long as it's not manipulated or smashed. However should the material be damaged or you are planning to make changes to your home that might disturb it, speak with an asbestos expert. These experts can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also provide guidance on the corrective measures required and who is certified. It is recommended that only these experts handle asbestos. Some of them have specific training in particular products, and they are the only ones who should perform corrective work on 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 training programs available in your region. Be aware of firms that claim to have a specialization in asbestos removal. These firms can be hazardous because they encourage unnecessary removals or do them incorrectly which increases the risk of release of harmful fibers. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos specialist 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 and proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. indiana asbestos attorney should also consult your state or local health and environmental agency for the correct procedures to follow if you are planning to renovate your home.