Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Asbestos Testing- Search For The Devil

Asbestos Testing - Why?

Asbestos testing seeks to detect the presence of asbestos in any
given material. When any asbestos containing material is
disturbed, it releases very thin invisible fibers that may
remain suspended in the air for many hours, and have a causative
association with a plethora of disease manifestations involving
the epithelial lining of human visceral cavities, including the
deadly mesothelioma. Much asbestos containing material is being
unearthed nowadays due to intense remodeling and renovation of
old structures, dating back to days when asbestos was
extensively used in construction.

Asbestos Testing- When?

EPA's Sample List of Suspect Asbestos-Containing Materials Exit
Ecology lists the possible candidates for asbestos testing. When
in doubt, err on the side of caution. Any surfacing agent or
thermal insulation material used in buildings constructed
earlier than 1980 is presumed as containing asbestos (WISHA
Interim Interpretive Memorandum #99-1-C, January 19, 1999),
until proved otherwise by laboratory analysis.

Asbestos Sampling

Precautions

Before collection:

- By either specialized laboratory personnel or under guidance.

During collection:

- Minimize dispersal of fibers - Avoid heating/cooling draughts
- Minimize the handling time and amount - Spray the sample with
fine water and/or detergent droplets - Use a sharp knife to cut
neatly through the whole depth - Place a plastic spread below
the collection area - Minimize exposure to self/those in the
vicinity - Handle the sample alone - Wear gloves and mask - Drop
neatly into an appropriate container

After collection:

- Minimize dispersal - Proper sealing of the container -
Patching of the sampled area - Proper disposal of the plastic
spread - Cleaning of the area - Label the sample meticulously

Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is carried out by a certified laboratory using
polarized light microscopy (PLM) as per the EPA recommendations.

Asbestos Testing- Results and Interpretation

This form of asbestos testing is qualitative as well as
quantitative .The results are given as the percentage (1 to 100)
and type of asbestos (chrysotile or white asbestos, Amosite or
brown asbestos, and Crocidolite or blue asbestos).

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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