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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.
What safety precautions should I take when I’m using asbestos test kits?
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Its fibers can even be woven into cloth and other materials, making it incredibly versatile and useful in homes worldwide. In general, it takes a lot of repeated exposure to asbestos for related conditions to develop. It is rare for someone to get sick from asbestos products in their home, but it is possible. Although it is the safest option, hiring asbestos abatement professionals can be expensive. However, before removing the entire popcorn surface, homeowners can scrape off a sample and perform home testing with a store-bought kit.
Where is asbestos commonly found in a house?
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.
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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.
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.
Overall, customers were happy with the turnaround time, accuracy, and ease of use this asbestos testing kit provided them. The included PPE also allowed customers test their home or office area with safety and confidence. Conversely, I found that some customers had to send two samples in order to receive results in a timely fashion, and some users received the results in the spam folder of their email inbox. Frequent or long-term exposure to asbestos — whether occupationally, environmentally, or from secondhand exposure — can lead to severe health complications, often in the lungs. When asbestos-containing materials and fibers are in the air, you may inhale or swallow them, and your body has trouble eliminating them. These fibers can become trapped in the lung lining, the abdominal cavity lining, or the heart.
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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.
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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.
If You Hire an Asbestos Professional Contractor
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Some state and local governments also have or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area. The danger comes from asbestos material that has been damaged over time. Asbestos that crumbles easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder is likely to release asbestos fibers and create a health hazard.
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.
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.
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.
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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