Asbestos Testing

Asbestos was once a very popular material that was used for various purposes, especially in the construction business. Most of us are familiar with the numerous asbestos products like, roofing shingles, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, coatings and paints, caulking, brake pads, fire resistant clothes, etc. It was one of the versatile materials with a number of industrial and other applications and its popularity was due to properties like, high tensile strength, resistance to heat, fire, chemicals, etc. However, during the latter part of the 1980s, most of the countries started banning this material, due to asbestos health effects. Even though, the EPA has banned the use of asbestos in 1989, a subsequent court ruling allowed limited use of this material for some purposes. Now asbestos testing is done to find out traces of this material in suspected items and in some regions, this testing is mandatory, for sale of homes and other constructions, especially those that were constructed before 2000. This article will provide you with more information about asbestos test.

Asbestos Health Hazards
As any material that contains asbestos can be hazardous to humans, the concept of asbestos test has been introduced. Asbestos contain microscopic fibers that get easily disbursed through air. These fibers are said to have pointed ends that can puncture the lung tissues and cause damage. Asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs (asbestosis) and a type of cancer called malignant mesothelioma. It can also cause skin and heart problems. While those with allergies may develop immediate allergic reactions, as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers, others develop symptoms of asbestos exposure after a long term. However, the health hazards of asbestos are really life-threatening and so, authorities have banned its use. But, it is possible that you may come across some asbestos products or something that you suspect to have asbestos. In such cases, you can opt for asbestos testing. Let us take a look at asbestos sampling and testing.

What is Asbestos Testing
Now you know that asbestos test is done for detecting the presence of asbestos in any material. While some products have labels that indicate the ingredients, others may not have such lists. If there is any such label, you can find out the presence of asbestos from them. Otherwise you have to resort to asbestos testing. It is a test that is usually conducted at laboratories, but nowadays, asbestos testing kits are available. If you want to go for the laboratory asbestos test, you may either collect a sample by yourself or leave this job to a professional. Collection of sample can be risky, as disturbing the suspected article may cause release of fibers that may result in asbestos exposure, if sufficient precautionary measures are not taken.

Sampling of Asbestos
In order to collect the sample for asbestos test, ensure that there is nobody in the room, where the article is kept. Now, keep a plastic sheet, on the surface, where you intend to collect the sample. Wear protective mask, disposable gloves, etc. and switch off the heating and cooling systems. The next step is to mist the article lightly and cut the sample from it. Place it in a clean container or vial. Seal the container and label it indicating the place and date of collection. You have to patch the part, from where the sample has been taken, so as to prevent release of asbestos fibers. Once sample collection is over, remove and dispose the gloves and the plastic sheet, as per the rules regarding asbestos removal and disposal.

How do People Test for Asbestos
As the fibers in asbestos are microscopic in nature, asbestos test is usually done in laboratories through polarized light microscopy (PLM). This test is generally found to be expensive and asbestos testing cost may vary with the type of sample, sample collection, inspection of the site, etc. It is said that asbestos testing kits are cheaper, but you have to check whether the price includes laboratory charges. You may come across various products with asbestos in homes and other buildings constructed before 2000. So, in case of remodeling of such constructions, you may come across various materials with asbestos. So, asbestos testing and removal must be done as per the standards set by the EPA. It is always better to hire professionals for this purpose, as they have solid knowledge about the correct methods of sample collection and disposal of asbestos. Meanwhile, you must refrain from disturbing the suspected material, so as to avoid dispersal of fibers and the possible asbestos dangers. If that happens accidentally, it is advisable to isolate the area and take sufficient precautionary measures.

In short, asbestos testing is a useful tool to prevent the health hazards that can be caused by exposure to this material. So, if you suspect that any of the articles in your home contains this material, contact an accredited laboratory and test it as soon as possible. Testing for asbestos and its removal is a task that requires professional expertise and so, it is wise to hire professionals.