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IDENTIFYING ASBESTOS
If you suspect the presence of asbestos containing material in your home, take a friable sample and have it analyzed. Samples will be checked by X-ray diffraction or by polarized light microscope.
Testing facilities are available in all major cities. To ensure an unbiased opinion make sure that the laboratory doing the testing is not associated with contractors offering to remove the asbestos. |
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| WARNING. Asbestos removal is not a do-it-yourself task. Call a certified Asbestos Abatement & Removal Contractor. |
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WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
Asbestos is a mineral fibre found in rocks. There are several kinds of asbestos fibre, all of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. |
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ASBESTOS ON HEALTH?
Asbestos has been known to cause cancer of the lung and stomach, according to studies of workers and others exposed to asbestos. There is no level of exposure that experts can assure is completely safe.
Some asbestos materials can break into small fibres which can float in the air, and these fibres can be inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can become lodged in tissue for a long time. After many years, cancer or mesothelioma can develop. Soft, easily crumbled asbestos containing material has the greatest potential to create a health risk.
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CORRECTIVE MEASURE OPTIONS
In most cases, asbestos containing materials are best left alone. In order to be a health risk, asbestos fibres must be released from the material and be in the air for people to breathe.
Asbestos pipe insulation which can easily be crumbled, or which has been damaged (showing ragged ends) is said to be friable. The options, in case action is required, are limited. Either the asbestos is removed, or it is sealed off to ensure that its fibres do not become airborne. The sealing of asbestos is called encapsulation.
WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF ASBESTOS IN THE HOME? Asbestos has been used in building materials such as vinyl floor tiles, patching compounds, insulation for pipes, boilers and ducts, heat shields for wood stoves, acoustical ceiling tiles and exterior siding.
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Sources of Asbestos in older homes
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Sources of Asbestos in newer homes
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| WARNING. Asbestos removal is not a do-it-yourself task. Call a certified Abestos Abatement & Removal Contractor. |
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