Asbestos Testing- Necessary Protection Against Killer Diseases

by Kirsten Hawkins

Asbestos testing is the method to determine the presence of asbestos in the industrial processes, residential buildings and objects. Asbestos had been commonly used as construction materials in buildings till few years back. A mineral compound, asbestos is the common name for a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain rock formations. During mining and processing, asbestos produces very thin and light fibers that are easily released into the air.

Asbestos Disposal: Make It A Safe Procedure

Kirsten Hawkins

Asbestos disposal refers to the process of getting rid of asbestos or other asbestos containing items in a safe way. Asbestos is natural fibrous mineral. Many corporations used it for building and insulation materials. Asbestos was also used widely in fireproofing, pipe covering, cement, refractory materials, gaskets, floor tiles and joint compounds between 1890 and 1970. Exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind many diseases including life-threatening cancer called mesothelioma. Looking at the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, no one can underestimate the importance of safe removal and disposal of asbestos.
It is better to dispose off some asbestos containing appliances such as oven rather than trying to separate the asbestos from it for disposal because separation of asbestos may prove to be very expensive and it can be hazardous. In some cases instead of complete removal of asbestos, we can seal the exposed insulation. Sealing minimizes the further risk of formation of airborne particles. Experts believe that Inhalation of asbestos fibers is much more likely when the asbestos is fragmented and airborne. Therefore, only a specialist should handle the process of asbestos disposal.
If you are planning the asbestos disposal process, then you should read the detailed instructions called Asbestos Removal Procedures for Home Owners of Utah State Department of Environmental Quality. Following are some recommendations to make asbestos disposal safe.
1. You must wet the friable asbestos containing material and place it in properly labeled leak-tight containers before shipping.
2. Only certified asbestos personnel must handle the regulated asbestos containing material.
3. You should not carry on the process of asbestos disposal during the periods of high wind.
4. Entry of unauthorized personnel must be strictly prohibited during the asbestos disposal process.
5. Friable asbestos and Category II non- friable asbestos-containing material should be covered by the end of each operating day with at least six inches of non- asbestos containing material such as soil. Category 1 non- friable asbestos containing material may be spread prior to being covered, but shall be covered by the end of each operating day with at least six inches of compacted non-asbestos containing material such as soil
6. You must maintain the records and file them to notify future landowners or interested parties, the locations and quantities of the asbestos waste buried at the site. A notice on the deed to the property must state that the site is subject to regulation and should include precautions against any attempt to disturb that area.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.

Once released into the air, the asbestos particles can remain suspended for a long time. These fibers are invisible to human eyes and when inhaled can cause serious health problems including lung cancer. This is the reason why asbestos testing is a necessary safeguard for people handling and working with asbestos materials. People who are handling asbestos or products containing asbestos, including those involved in mining, producing or processing asbestos are at a great health risk. Natural resources containing asbestos and pipes made of cement can contaminate even drinking water.

Asbestos testing is must and strongly suggested for the areas where asbestos related industries were functional or asbestos was used as a material.

Establishing the presence of Asbestos

We can safely assume that a material is asbestos or contains asbestos unless it is clearly otherwise on the label or is verified by the manufacturer. Alternatively, it has to undergo a process of asbestos testing to verify the absence or presence of asbestos materials. Asbestos testing is especially necessary if such material was on the EPA's Sample List of Suspect Asbestos-Containing Materials Exit Ecology and was manufactured with asbestos in the past.

Asbestos Sampling

Asbestos sampling is the precursor for asbestos testing. Asbestos sampling and analyzing should be undertaken in a laboratory by a qualified personnel. It is dangerous to attempt this yourself, without acquiring sufficient information on the process and without proper precautions. If access to a laboratory is not possible and you wish to take the sample yourself, you must be very careful not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself.

Method of Asbestos Testing

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) analysis of suspect material by specialized microscopes is a requirement of the EPA for asbestos testing. The results of asbestos testing establish the percentage and type of asbestos present in the sample material.
About the Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.

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