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How to Identify Asbestos During the past century asbestos was used to make a myriad of products stronger and more resistant to fire and less expensive. However, exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers could cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Certain of these diseases could have a long latent period. This makes it difficult to recognize the issue before it's late. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were used in building materials for their anti-corrosive, fire-proof and insulating properties. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can be harmful to health. This often causes diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases don't manifest until years, if not decades after first exposure. They're frequently confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos. Medical tests that test for lung diseases are the most frequent method to identify asbestos. These tests include a physical exam, chest X-rays, and lung function tests. These tests aren't enough to diagnose asbestos-related diseases. pembroke pines asbestos lawyer should be paired with a comprehensive history of the patient which includes information about a person's job, home, as well as the culture of their environment. It's possible to find asbestos in a broad assortment of building products and materials such as cement, floor tiles, paints adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. However, asbestos is difficult to identify because 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 produce any distinctive smells. If you think a substance might contain asbestos, you can collect the material as a sample. This should only be done by a certified professional because the process of removing asbestos is complex and requires specialized equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to prevent the release of fibers, and take it to an asbestos analysis laboratory that is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website has the list of accredited laboratories. It's quite easy to disturb asbestos, and the risk of doing so can be higher for certain categories of people. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are all at risk of asbestos exposure when they work on renovations or maintenance. It's a good idea to encourage those who work in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness training course so that they understand the dangers and take the correct precautions. Take Samples To conduct asbestos testing or an inspection, a sample of the suspect material is needed. This sample could be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is essential to take care not to create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the collecting and cleaning process. The person who takes the sample is likely to require an air vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls as protection. They must also wear a respirator that conforms to AS/NZS1716.2003 Respiratory protective equipment while carrying out the task. It is best to conduct the sampling on a calm, non stormy day. Also, ensure that cooling or heating systems are turned off as this will minimise the release of asbestos particles from the air. particles. When you collect the sample, make sure that the area is sealed off and that pets or children aren't allowed in. Clean the area to be sampled using the help of a damp rag. Then, clean all equipment and tools used once the sampling is completed. Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it at an asbestos-free disposal facility that is licensed. Place the resealable bag and the sample inside a second plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before marking it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned again, and place a plastic drop sheet over it to collect any released fibres. Asbestos samples are usually collected through a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is crucial that the cassette does not get filled with dust as this can obscure the fibres of the filter and cause a bias in the result. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of non-fibrous dust, smaller volumes of air can be utilized. The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres of short length can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This suggests that size is not the only factor influencing asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other parameters like chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining, as also the time required to etch are also a factor. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. These microscopic fibers when inhaled, can cause lung diseases. They could cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other neurological and respiratory ailments. Many symptoms may manifest 20 to 50 years later. Unaltered asbestos is not dangerous to health, however when the materials like insulation, shingles and flooring are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can happen during a renovation or demolition project, or even during normal home usage or the aging process. If you are planning on transforming your home, check with local health or environmental officials to determine if the structure is made up of asbestos materials. If any material is found to be asbestos-containing, it must be inspected by an accredited asbestos inspector before any work can begin. If you are planning to renovate an older home, be sure that the contractors you hire possess the right credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos survey and report which includes an evaluation of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to be friable. The survey should also include whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs may be possible on some ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional trained in techniques for safely handling asbestos should attempt these repairs. No matter what type of repair is made it is essential that the area be protected from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be placed in plastic bags and marked with a warning to prevent cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats fibers to keep them from becoming airborne. This can be applied to insulated piping or to cover old shingles. Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. This is accomplished by wetting the materials so they can be cut or scraped with many tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. The material is then placed in airtight, sturdy containers that are leakproof. Repairing or removing asbestos Asbestos is resistant against corrosion and heat. This makes it an ideal material for thousands of products, including wallboard insulation, fireproofing and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an irritant that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up stuck in the lungs, and can lead to tissue inflammation and scarring which can cause breathing problems and cause serious health issues. Asbestos is present in a variety of places within a home, including ceiling and floor tiles roofing shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is important to inspect these areas on a regular basis for tears, abrasions, or water damage. Slightly damaged material may be safe if it is not manipulated or damaged. If the material needs to be repaired or replaced, or you are planning to make changes to your home which could damage it, then consult with an asbestos professional. They can conduct an inspection by visuals as well as take samples. They can also give you information on what changes are required and who qualifies. It is recommended that only these professionals handle asbestos. These professionals are trained in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them. In addition, to talking with a trained asbestos professional You should also contact your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for information about asbestos-related training programs in your area. Be aware that there are firms who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies can be risky because they promote unnecessary removals or conduct them improperly which increases the risk of release of harmful asbestos fibers. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos professional it is crucial to research the company thoroughly to ensure that it's accredited and insured. You can ask for references from previous clients as well as proofs of accreditation and insurance coverage. It is also recommended to examine your state's or local health and environmental authorities to determine the procedure that should be followed if you're planning to make any changes in your home.