What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals. Each fiber is composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the air if disturbed. These fibers were widely used in home construction from the early 1940s through the 1970s. Asbestos was considered highly effective as an inexpensive, fire-retardant material, as well as a thermal insulator. For decades, the sought after material was used for all kinds of projects. Unfortunately, it was discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to severe health complications, which is why its use has been banned since 1977.

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The Dangers of Asbestos 

Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to several serious diseases. Studies have shown that when asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long period of time. Houses built between 1940 and 1970 may still have asbestos as insulation. People may be exposed to asbestos in many different places due to the popularity of the product decades ago. Individuals with past or ongoing exposure to asbestos may be facing the increased health risks such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Asbestos exposure may increase your risk for cancers of the digestive system, including colon cancer also. 

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Testing Methods

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There are various ways to test for asbestos in the home. It is very important that you do not attempt to identify asbestos by yourself. Improperly collecting samples can lead to further disturbance of the asbestos in your home, as well as potentially leading you to breathe it in.

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If you are concerned, contacting a professional is necessary.  A licensed specialist will come inspect your home and identify the areas where asbestos may be present. An asbestos professional will take the proper precautions, know what to look for, be able to take various samples, place it in an appropriate container, and send it away for testing.

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AIR SAMPLES

When asbestos is airborne, Phase Contract Microscopy (PCM) is used to measure the concentration of fibers in air samples to show that asbestos might be present. This method is useful because it takes less time and has a lower cost than other methods. PCM however does not positively identify asbestos fibers. Instead, it gives an overall gauge of the various types of fibers presenting in a particular air sample.

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If the fibers are too small to identify using PCM, then Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is used. This method is one of the best methods available for the identification of airborne asbestos materials but can be very costly. It is, however, the most accurate for asbestos-related air samples.

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Asbestos fibers cannot be seen without a special microscope. To know if a material contains asbestos, analysis needs to be completed by an accredited testing laboratory. The EPA requires that the asbestos content of these materials in question be determined by analyzing samples with Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM).  This technique uses polarized light to analyze mineral-specific properties in fibers which allows researchers to identify asbestos particles. PLM tests show the percentage of asbestos within a certain material after analysis. Samples are collected in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. We follow the AHERA 357 rule. 

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If you are concerned about asbestos exposure, give MC Pro Solutions a call at 925-635-9965.

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