Asbestos is one naturally present minerals of non-rigid fibers that can resist heat, electricity, and corrosion. This is why this mineral has become a very helpful material until it was discovered that it is a very toxic substance. Prolonged use of asbestos also resulted in respiratory infections, which sometimes could also prove fatal. After this, though it was not banned, its usage was regulated in most countries.
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What Is Asbestos Used For?
It is a very good insulator, and it is very popularly used for construction purposes. It is used by adding materials like paper, plastic, cloth, cement, and a few other materials to make them stronger.
As it is a very harmful substance, it was limited in its usage because there was the fright of health issues by inhalation of the dust of the minerals. It is also harmful when ingested into the system as they get trapped inside and remain there. Asbestos is not much harmful when it is in a solid form. However, when it gets demolished and its stands spread in the air, it becomes difficult to trace them. Since asbestos fibbers are smaller than a hair strand, they can be easily inhaled, thus leading to lung problems and sometimes cancer. Hence, there are specially designed asbestos testing methodology that helps the asbestos inspectors find out the traces of asbestos.
What Is Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos testing and asbestos surveys are the ones and the same thing. It is essentially required as it poses high risks to the human body. This asbestos is not visible to the naked eye. It is present in most building materials, so they should be surveyed or tested before using them. It is generally done in a laboratory.
How Is Asbestos Screened?
This screening involves taking a sample of the material concerned to one of the laboratories where it is performed. The sample can accurately identify how much of the harmful substance is present.
After asbestos testing is done on the sample, the construction site owners are warned about it. The material has to be used, taking all precautions into mind or discarded if the quantities are beyond permissible limits. But it can also be allowed to be used if the harmful mineral is sealed and faces no risk of any kind of exposure.
When Is Asbestos Testing Required?
Asbestos testing is required as part of procedures and rules laid down by the state authorities. It’s the protocol and has to be done in the best interest of humanity. It is especially done before construction begins or before demolition of a certain site is to be carried out. It is even required when renovation measures are to be implemented.
The authorities concerned also perform asbestos testing when they think that there has been some damage to any building or construction site due to natural calamities like floods or anything that may damage a building. Although the substance has been banned and was gradually phased beginning in 1989, yet to this day, many products still have asbestos in them. This makes it more necessary why testing should be diligently carried out.
The Different Types Of Asbestos Survey
There are many different types of asbestos testing procedures. They are:
- Asbestos testing
- Limited asbestos testing
- Pre-renovation asbestos testing
- Asbestos testing before a demolition
How To Initiate Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos testing should not be done on one’s own. If there is suspected asbestos in your home or any nearby construction, instead of collecting samples and disrupting the whole situation there, a call should be given to an asbestos specialist. He is the perfect person to come and carry out the procedure perfectly.
Bottom Line
If you ever have reason to think there is asbestos around, you never hesitate to get it checked, identified, tested, and taken remedial measures. It is of utmost importance considering the safety of humanity as a whole.
