Asbestos is a group of natural minerals, commonly used because of its insulating properties, tensile strength, and tear resistance. The most common asbestos types are amosite, chrysotile, and crocidolite. Below are a few FAQs about asbestos.
How Can I Identify Asbestos in My Home?
The most likely places to find asbestos in a home are floor tiles, shingles, ceiling tiles, and siding.
What Hazards Are Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos contains numerous microscopic fibers, which usually tend to go airborne when the material is disturbed. Inhaling the microscopic fibers poses many health issues, especially when they get to the lungs. Some of the common health problems caused by asbestos include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and cancer. The health effects of asbestos can go unnoticed for up to decades.
How Can Materials Containing Asbestos be Maintained?
Maintaining materials that contain asbestos in good condition can reduce the associated hazards. For starters, the materials should not be disturbed in any way, and periodic surveillance should be done to monitor the material’s condition. Encapsulation should also be done for friable asbestos. Encapsulation is the application of an encapsulant layer, such as latex paint, on the asbestos material. However, experts recommend the removal of any material containing asbestos instead of managing them.
What Is Asbestos Control Limit?
The control limit is the measure of the asbestos fiber concentration in a localized atmosphere. The measurement is usually done over a continuous period and then averaged. The current control limit, as per the WHO standards, is 0.1 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter. Note that the control limit is different from the safe limit. That means any working areas where asbestos is involved should have concentrations that are a lot lower than the control limit.
When Is an Asbestos License Required?
Generally, only individuals who have a license issued by the HSE can work on asbestos materials. The licenses are usually issued for limited periods, ranging from one to three years. Whenever you look for contractors to work on your home or workplace where asbestos is involved, confirm that the contractor’s license is valid.…