Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic “fibrils” that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes.

Any of several fibrous mineral forms of magnesium silicate, used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, chemical filters, suits, fireman’s gloves, etc.

Asbestos is most commonly found in homes.

• Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite.
• Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
• Roofing and siding shingles.
• Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings.

‘REDUCTION’

It has minimized possible sources. To overcome such diseases first to avoid touching or disturbing any possible asbestos- containing materials in your home. The pictures clockwise show examples of old pipe insulation, textured ceilings, damaged floor tiles, and vermiculite attic insulation.

It is also considering that we cannot easily wash asbestos out of clothes. Trying to do so can expose us to asbestos. Regular washing machines are not designed to clean asbestos-contaminated clothing. Trying to wash contaminated clothing will cause asbestos fibers to become airborne.

‘ANALYTICAL METHODS’

At present, the standard method for the determination of airborne asbestos particles in the workplace is NIOSH Method 7400, Asbestos by Phase Contrast Microscopy (NIOSH 1994a).

(ANALYSATION)

The asbestos percentage is determined by dividing the number of asbestos particles detected by the total number of particles examined (400). The method, EPA/600/R-93/116, includes a section for TEM analysis of bulk samples. The sample must be ground to a very fine powder then mounted on a TEM grid for analysis.

(MICROSCOPIC METHOD)

There are two different types of electron microscope used for asbestos analysis: 

• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)  
• Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

    Scanning Electron Microscopy is useful in identifying 

minerals.

(MAGNIFICATION)

A low-powered stereo microscope (e.g., × 8 to × 40 magnification) is required for the initial search for fibres. A polarised light microscope with Köhler (or Köhler type) illumination is then needed for their identification.

(RULES)

The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.

‘HEALTH PROBLEMS’

ASBESTOS TESTING causes health issues with the lungs and other parts of the body. It can cause scarring in the lungs called asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, and it can also cause cancer in the stomach, ovaries, and more.

(RESTRICTIONS)

The import of asbestos, asbestos-containing and asbestos-tainted materials and products, has been completely banned in 55 countries over the course of the last four decades. However, there are still numerous exceptions, including the US, where asbestos use and import are improperly regulated, continuing to pose a great threat to public health.

(ACCESSIBILITY)

Due to the low costs, some companies turn a blind eye to building materials imported from China or India, two of the top producers of asbestos in the world, which contain or may be contaminated with asbestos fibers, thus further allowing and perpetuating exposure to this toxic mineral.

‘COST FOR AN ASBESTOS HOME TESTING KIT’

The cost of a testing kit to check for asbestos in your home will vary in price. You can find them in home improvement stores, hardware stores, and online retailers, and they can run from around $10 up to $35 or more. Just be aware that some include the price of the lab fee, while others do not.

‘COST OF ON-SITE TESTING’

The cost of on-site sampling varies between $250 and $750, while the price of an air monitoring test will range from $300 to $1200. Additionally, if the existence of asbestos is indeed confirmed, a more detailed inspection will be needed, which will also be quite expensive ($400-$800). Nevertheless, the cost of on-site testing for asbestos depends greatly on the state, as well as on the company you opt for, so you should not be discouraged by the average prices presented here.

‘ASBESTOS TESTING SERVICE’

• Strada Environmental – Asbestos Removal Edinburgh ( Edinburgh, UK.)
• Blue A LTD – Asbestos Services (Watford, UK.)
• Asbestos Removal London Croydon (London, UK.)

/ASBESTOS ABATEMENT/

‘RESULTS’

Asbestosis is usually diagnosed by a careful medical history, exposure history and chest X-ray or CT scan that shows scarring of the lung tissues. This information, along with breathing tests, helps your doctor determine how severe your asbestosis is and how well your lung is functioning.