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How to Identify Asbestos In the past century asbestos was utilized in a variety of products to make them more durable, fire resistant and less costly. However, exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Some of these diseases have a lengthy latency time. north las vegas asbestos law firm makes it difficult for patients to identify the issue before it's late. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were once utilized in building materials for their corrosion-resistant, fireproof and insulating properties. However, it can cause health problems when the tiny fibers are inhaled. This often causes diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these illnesses don't show up until years, or decades after the initial exposure. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. It's essential to know how to identify asbestos. Medical tests that test for lung diseases are the most common way to detect asbestos. These tests usually include physical examinations or chest Xrays as well as lung function tests. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed with these tests on their own, since they need to be combined with a thorough patient history that includes the person's home, work and social environment. Asbestos can be found in a wide range of building products and materials, such as cement, paints and floor tiles. It can also be found in doors, insulation, partitions, cladding, and Artex. However, asbestos is difficult to detect because the fibers that pose danger are so small and light that they may easily float in the air and inhale without being observed. They also don't emit any distinct smells. If you think a substance may contain asbestos, you can take the material as a sample. This should only be performed by a trained professional, 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 web site. Certain categories of people are at greater risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. This includes construction workers, plumbers and electricians, as they are most likely to come across asbestos-containing items during maintenance and renovations. It is a good idea for those who work in these areas to take an asbestos awareness course to make sure they are aware of the dangers and can take the correct precautions. Doing Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material that is suspect is required. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is essential to ensure that you do not create asbestos-containing dust that is airborne during the cleaning and collection process. The person who takes the sample is likely to require a HEPA-filtered air vacuum cleaner as well as a spray bottle filled with water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. While performing the task, they must wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is best to take samples on a day that is not windy and shut off the cooling or heating system. This will help reduce the release of airborne asbestos particles. When collecting the sample make sure that the area is fully closed off and that children or pets are not permitted in. Make sure to saturate the area to be sampled using an abrasive rag, then wipe all tools and equipment that were used after the sample has been completed. Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it in an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the resealable bag and the sample in a separate plastic bag. Secure it all before marking it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned again and place a plastic drop sheet over it, to catch any fibres that are released. Asbestos samples are typically collected by using a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important that the cassette does not get overloaded with dust, because this could obscure the fibres in the filter and cause a bias in the result. If the sample is located in an area where there are high levels of non-fibrous dust, it might be necessary to use an air sample with a smaller volume. While the majority of research focuses on long asbestos fibers, the epidemiological studies have revealed that exposure to asbestos fibres that are short can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer as well. This suggests that size is not the only factor in determining the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers. Other parameters, such as chemical property, polarization dispersion staining, and the time of etching are also important. Identifying Professionals When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed they can be airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung diseases. These can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis or other respiratory and neurological problems. Many symptoms can be noticed in the 20 to 50 years following. Unaltered asbestos is not a health hazard, but when materials such as flooring, insulation, and shingles are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can occur in the course of a renovation or demolition project, as well as in normal use of the home or aging. If you are planning on transforming your home, consult local health or environmental officials to determine if the structure 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. If you're renovating an older property, make sure that the contractors you choose to hire have the appropriate credentials. They should be able to conduct an asbestos survey and report that contains an assessment of the condition and condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to be friable. The survey should also indicate whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs are possible on certain ACM. However, only a professional skilled in the safe handling of asbestos is able to tackle these. No matter what type of repair is made the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any contaminated clothing or equipment should be placed in plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop the fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or covers the fibers to prevent them from becoming airborne. This can be done to insulated pipe or to cover old shingles. Professionals can also physically remove ACM. The materials are initially soaked to allow them to be cut using a variety of tools without releasing dangerous fibers. They then place the material in durable, leak-proof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal. Removing or replacing Asbestos Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion which makes it a very useful material in thousands of products including walls, fireproofing materials and auto brakes. Asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers inhaled. Typically, these fibers get stuck in the lungs, and can cause scarring and inflammation of the tissues, which can cause breathing problems and cause serious health problems. Asbestos is found in many areas of homes, including ceiling and floor tiles roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is crucial to check these areas on a regular basis for tears, abrasions or damage. Slightly damaged material may be safe if it is not disturbed or touched. However should the material be in need of repair or you plan to make changes to your home that could affect it, you must consult with an asbestos professional. These professionals can perform a visual inspection and also take samples. They can also provide suggestions on what adjustments are needed and who is qualified. Only professionals handle asbestos. These professionals are certified in specific products and should 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 learn about asbestos training programs available in your area. Be wary of companies that claim to have a specialization in asbestos removal. These firms can be dangerous because they promote unnecessary removals or make them in a way that isn't properly done, increasing the danger of release of harmful asbestos fibers. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos expert it is crucial to research the company thoroughly to ensure that it's accredited and insured. You can also ask for references from past clients, and also proof of accreditation and insurance coverage. You should also check with your local or state health and environmental departments for the appropriate guidelines to follow if you are planning to renovate your home.