The construction industry is constantly growing. There is always a need for buildings that support the properties of durability, fire resistance, and strength. Asbestos is such a material that helps you get the desired results the used in the construction of a building. However, it can impose various hazards to your health and surroundings. A “silent killer”, it mainly affects your lungs and body weight.
Thus, it is vital to take a few steps to prevent the hazards caused by asbestos. The process of asbestos testing is quite useful for detecting its presence. This helps you identify the degrading or damaged toxic material easily. Besides, it is vital to conduct research so that the number of people dying due to its impact can be reduced.
Understanding the Material of Asbestos
The material asbestos is formed by six naturally occurring mineral substances. This has thin and long fibres. This has heat-resistant features. The six naturally occurring substances include-
- Amosite- These kinds of fibres are usually grey-brown and straight. Amosite or “brown asbestos” acts as the basic substance used in thermal insulation items.
- Chrysotile- This is a white curly fibre or “white asbestos” and is one of the most common asbestos forms.
- Crocidolite- It is a dangerous form of asbestos due to the needle-like or thin fibre penetrating your lungs as the “blue asbestos”.
- Actinolite- This is the fibre found in metamorphic rocks in a greenish-grey form that helps create buildings.
- Tremolite- It is one of the rare fibres found in the flooring of the buildings.
- Anthophyllite- Its primary use is found in composite flooring solutions.
Health Risks Involved with Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos fibres bear many risks when used with direct exposure. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause scarring and inflammation. The constant asbestos exposure imposes the risks of asbestosis. People usually suffer from it when scarring is caused to their lung tissues. Asbestos testing is thus, vital to prevent such problems.
Lung cancer, mesothelioma, shortness of breath, or chest tightness can also trouble you if you don’t cover yourself up before coming into contact with the asbestos. Asbestos testing is vital if you see symptoms like wheezing or coughing. This helps prevent the issues swiftly. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Neglecting the symptoms can cause a lot of trouble in the future.
Stages of Asbestos Testing Along with Inspection
Multiple steps are there in conducting the process of asbestos testing. These are as follows-
● Recognizing the Challenges and Sources of Asbestos Exposure
In case your household points out the risks of asbestos exposure or other common symptoms, you must not avoid them. There are multiple sources that raise the chances of asbestos exposure for you. Point out the vulnerable places for a successful asbestos testing method. Buildings or other structures use this material for strength and durability. However, try to keep a check if the exposed person suffers from cough, chest tightness, or symptoms of related health problems.
● Hiring Certified Professionals
Once you find out the possible sources of asbestos exposure, partnering with the professionals having proper certificates is vital. It is the job of a professional tester to check or inspect the pipes, walls, flooring, and tiles to find out the asbestos elements. During the process of asbestos testing, the tester sends the material for a proper check. This helps them take further steps to reduce the asbestos-related risks.
● Collecting Samples
The particles of asbestos can exist in various parts of a building. Starting from the walls to tiles, flooring, and decks, you can get exposed easily to the asbestos through them. The tester collects the samples of the spaces to detect their presence. The tester even collects asbestos in soil to check its standard in the lab. The collection of asbestos samples helps them find out the exact space to treat separately for its presence.
● Following the Protocols of Asbestos Testing
The asbestos testing process is quite risky and requires one to follow the rules strictly. The testers or the professionals who conduct the process must use protective gear to prevent health hazards. This helps prevent the spread of further health issues. The space or the room from which one collects the samples must have a cover of plastic sheets. The use of water is vital to safeguard the surroundings from airborne particles of asbestos.
Conclusion
Asbestos is quite a useful element in terms of construction. However, it can impose serious health hazards due to its fibrous mineral properties. Conducting asbestos testing is a must to prevent the hazards from spreading. This also helps ensure that the space is safe for future use. The professional testers having proper certificates help in conducting the process. Also, following strict rules helps one to conduct the process safely.
