Asbestos Identification

The name "asbestos" comes from the Greek word for inextinguishable and is very cheap and effective as a fire retardant, thermal and acoustic insulator. Asbestos was widely used in housing construction from the early 1940s to the 1970s. But now we know that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung disease. When disturbed, small, abrasive asbestos fibers are easily inhaled harming lung tissue and causing cancer, even when exposed to small amounts - learn more about asbestos dangers.

In homes built before 1975, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation of boilers and pipes in basements - see asbestos pictures. Unfortunately, it can also be found in a variety of other household materials, including:

• Blown-in attic insulation - see asbestos pictures
• Vinyl floor tiles - see asbestos pictures
• Glue that holds floor tiles to concrete or wood
• Some types of linoleum - see asbestos pictures
• Window caulking and glazing
• Roofing (typically on flat roofs, but sometimes shingles)
• coatings
• Gypsum or plaster
• Fiber cement siding (usually 1 / 8 "thick and 8'x4 'fragile)
• Heavy corrugated sheets 8'x4 '
• Some forms of paint - see asbestos pictures

Simply having asbestos in your home is not necessarily a problem. Generally, material in good condition will not release fibers. Disturbing in-tact asbestos can, in fact, create a hazard that did not exist before it was disturbed. The best thing to do with asbestos materials in good condition is to leave it alone. Asbestos that crumbles easily when handled or has been cut or sanded is likelyt to release fibers and create a health hazard.

If you suspect that a portion of your home, such as the basement or attic may contain asbestos, regularly check for cracks, scratches, water damage. If you find slightly damaged material, restrict access to the area and do not touch or disturb it. If asbestos material is more significantly damaged, or you plan home improvements that would disturb the material, you need professional repair or removal. More danger is created during removal than by leaving in-tact asbestos alone.

Before calling a contractor for asbestos removal, you should get an industrial hygiene firm to assess the affected area. A lower-cost option, for getting a sample analysed is to use an asbestos testing kit - but this must be done carefully. A good assessment includes a thorough examination and the collection and analysis of samples. If asbestos is present, the examiner must give a written evaluation describing its location and degree of the damage, and provide recommendations for corrective or preventive measures. In addition, the inspector may check after removal or repair to be sure that the region has been properly cleaned.

With this report, you can contact an asbestos removal contractor and negotiate a cleanup plan. Before commencing work, you need a written contract detailing the work plan, cleanup and various regulations that the contractor must follow (such as permits, requirements and procedures for asbestos removal). You can contact the regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency for more information on these requirements.

Asbestos repair and removal

If you do have asbestos in your home, or think you might, then you must follow these safety guidelines:

Take every precaution to avoid damaging or disturbing asbestos material.
In areas containing damaged asbestos material, keep activity to an absolute minimum, so as not to disturb it.
Have removal and repair work done by professionals who are trained and qualified in handling asbestos.
Never sweep, vacuum or dust debris that may contain asbestos.
Never saw, sand, scrape or drill asbestos materials.
Never use brushes, abrasive pads, or power strippers on asbestos flooring. Never apply a power stripper to a dry floor.
Never sand or attempt to level asbestos flooring or its backing. Install new floor over the top of asbestos flooring, rather than remove it.
Do not track asbestos material or dust through the house. If you have to walk through the area, clean with a wet mop. If the area is large, call an asbestos professional.

ABATEMENT OPTIONS
The Environmental Protection Agency does not mandate removing asbestos. Removal is necessary for significantly damaged material that cannot be repaired and is located in a public building.

Asbestos-containing material in good condition should not release asbestos fibers. When inhaled, the airborne fibers become an asbestos risk and can cause lung cancer, lung scarring or mesothelioma. If you suspect that asbestos is present, you have some choices: repair, enclosure, encapsulation and removal.

Repair
If there is minor damage, it is often possible to repair the material. Some areas may have been damaged due to water or contact. Some repairs for water-damaged or contact-damaged materials can be achieved using a re-wettable cloth. You then need to ensure that further damage cannot occur.

Enclosure
The location of some asbestos-containing material may allow an air-tight enclosure to be built around it. If the material has minor damage, repairs are needed first. State regulations may require certification to ensure this is done appropriately.

Encapsulation
This process involves applying a sealant onto the asbestos materials which binds the asbestos to the substrate or binds the material together. This method is not suited to all asbestos-containing materials. However, if it is used, State certification may be required.

Removal
Full removal when properly done should leave you free from the negative health effects caused by asbestos exposure. State certification is usually required for removing asbestos.

Asbestos Identification page to Home

This site gives general information only. Always seek the advice of a home improvement professional for questions about your remodeling needs.