Asbestos in the Home: How to Identify, Test and Remove It
Table Of Content
A licensed asbestos abatement company should first perform a professional asbestos home test. According to one study, an estimated 20% of mesothelioma diagnoses are caused by non-occupational asbestos exposure. These types of exposures can happen in the home or the natural environment. Asbestos exposure at home may happen whenever asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. This can happen through normal wear and tear or as a result of renovations.
What are the different asbestos survey types?
Because asbestos is used in a variety of building materials and construction products, many people worry about the potential for exposure to asbestos in their home. But the mere presence of asbestos-containing products isn’t necessarily dangerous; the risk that they pose depends largely on their quantity and condition. There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma (12). This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. To decrease these exposures, Federal law regulates workplace practices to limit the possibility of asbestos being brought home in this way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Test Kits
Any such reproduction should credit the American Lung Association, the U.S. The use of all or any part of this document in a deceptive or inaccurate manner or for purposes of endorsing a particular product may be subject to appropriate legal action. If asbestos is present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.
Best Starter Asbestos Kit
Healthcare providers usually identify the possibility of asbestos exposure and related health conditions like lung disease by taking a thorough medical history. This includes looking at the person’s medical, work, cultural and environmental history. However, if you know (or strongly suspect) that your home contains asbestos materials it’s often best to leave it where it is, especially if they’re in good condition and unlikely to get damaged. Although check the condition of the materials from time to time to make sure they haven’t been damaged or started to deteriorate.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
From there, carefully package the material, and send it to the lab listed on your kit’s instructions. After testing is complete, the results will be sent to you via email, mail, or both. It's the most commonly used type of asbestos, making up 90% to 95% of the asbestos used in buildings in the U.S. Manufacturers also use it in a variety of insulation and fireproofing goods.
Although materials that are in good repair will not typically release fibers, they may do so if they're disturbed or damaged. That's why it’s generally best not to disturb any material that you know contains asbestos and is in good condition. Known asbestos-containing materials should be inspected regularly for signs of damage.
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If you breathe in the fibers over long periods of time, you increase your risk for diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero.
EPA Asbestos News
Many experts recommend leaving asbestos testing to the professionals. They have the needed training to safely test for asbestos and handle next steps, like removal, to prevent exposure. Asbestos is extremely harmful, especially after prolonged exposure. It’s essential to take proper precautions when handling asbestos-containing materials and to seek professional help for their safe removal and disposal to prevent health risks. Pay special attention if you live in an older house or apartment, as they may have higher amounts of asbestos. Renovations often pose the biggest risk of asbestos exposure, as it’s very easy to disturb or harm asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings and Vinyl Tiles
Situations where testing is recommended include having damaged drywall or insulation, or if you’re planning on remodeling. Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed. Disturbing it may create a health hazard where none existed before. Read this before you have any asbestos material inspected, removed, or repaired. An asbestos survey is an intrusive inspection where a specialist asbestos surveyor, wearing protective clothing, will remove samples of the suspected asbestos-containing materials for testing.
Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. If you’re considering buying a house with asbestos, the presence of asbestos alone should not be a cause for concern, says the Health and Safety Executive. It says asbestos only becomes a risk to human health when it is released into the air and breathed in. For example, this may happen during a house renovation if any materials containing asbestos are drilled into, sawed or sanded. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a component of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces.
Once you disturb asbestos, the microscopic fibers are released into the air, which you can then inhale. While asbestos in household products is not easily identified by sight alone, sometimes it is possible to see asbestos fibers embedded in damaged asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos. Covering (enclosure) involves placing a protective wrap or jacket around the material that contains asbestos to prevent the release of fibers.
Although less commonly used today, asbestos is still present in some home and automotive materials. Individuals can also contact their local or state health department with questions or concerns about asbestos. Leftover materials stored in a house may have asbestos in them. Always hire a professional and never try to remove it on your own.
Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear (2). Homeowners should not attempt to remove asbestos from their homes on their own. Without proper handling and safety precautions, removing asbestos can cause exposure and lead to illness. It is important to hire a trained professional, so the asbestos materials can be handled and disposed of properly. At-home asbestos test kits can put homeowners and their families at risk of dangerous exposure.
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