Asbestos Testing

Asbestos is a fiber-like material that is naturally occurring. Asbestos can be found in many places in both home and work environments. There are four different types of asbestos, white, blue, brown, and grey. Asbestos has been used more heavily since World War II, and despite the dangers it continues to be produced by a number of companies. Asbestos is not dangerous unless it is broken up and small particles are inhaled. But if the fibers become airborne they can cause certain types of cancer. The asbestos particles actually scar the lining of the lungs and replace tissue lining with scarred tissues which may lead to shortness of breath in many people .There are many different products that contain asbestos. Some of these products include insulation, brake pads, concrete water pipes, and roof shingles. Asbestos has been linked to many different forms of cancer. One of the most common types of cancer is called Mesotheliomia.

Mesotheliomia is a cancer that attacks the lungs, abdominal cavity and the sac that surrounds the lungs. The cancerous cells develop abnormally and start to form a lining that can completely cover the body’s organs. There are two different types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma has to do with scarring, and affects the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the least common occurring form of asbestos exposure. Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdominal cavity. This commonly occurs when a person coughs up particles of asbestos and then swallows them. Asbestosis is also a cancer that is developed from prolonged asbestos exposure. Asbestosis differs from mesothelioma, in the fact that it occurs in the lungs themselves, not the linings.

Testing for asbestos exposure has many different methods. There are methods of testing the air concentration for asbestos and also visual tests using microscopes to check asbestos containing materials to see if there is any tearing and releasing of these particles. There are also tests that crush matter and analyze its part per million of asbestos content. Products are available that you can use to test for asbestos content yourself. With the kit you collect the samples and send it into a lab for an analysis.

The EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) required method for testing is known as PLM or “polarized light microscopy” analysis, using specialized microscopes. The results of this testing will indicate the type and percentage of asbestos which is found in a sample material.

Asbestos Fiber Analysis (PLM Test Method)

You cannot see asbestos fibers without using a special microscope. A standard lab microscope will not do, therefore the only certain way of ascertaining whether a material contains asbestos or not is to have it analyzed at an accredited testing lab.

In this asbestos testing process, the EPA demands that asbestos fibers in suspected materials be examined and determined by having a professional analyze samples using the PLM Test Method. The lab will then give their opinion of the type of asbestos present (if any) as well as a percentage. This could range from 1 to 100 percent asbestos content.

The major forms of asbestos used commercially were chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite are of less commercial value. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are mixtures of individual asbestos fibers and binding material. Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos found in buildings. Also known as “white asbestos,” chrysotile makes up approximately 90%-95% of all asbestos contained in buildings in the United States. Amosite is the second most prevalent type of asbestos found in building materials and is also known as “brown asbestos.” Crocidolite or “blue asbestos,” is found in specialized high temperature applications.

Asbestos removal requirements have been tightened up since the outbreak of mesothelioma and related disease has been on the rise. The EPA has imposed rules and regulations to companies to protect the public and workers alike. They have made it harder for companies to use asbestos in their everyday practices. Building owners must have the building inspected for asbestos before many aspects of their operations can continue. Construction owners have to get a written asbestos report before bidding on any of their jobs.Removal of asbestos has to be done by someone who has been certified to do so. The cost of removal can be very expensive. Prices range from $5.00 to $30.00 dollars per square foot.

Asbestos can be a hazardous material if not handled properly. You now know some of the things to look for and some of the things you can do to prevent asbestos exposure. Lung cancer is be a very dangerous condition and will often lead to death. Please take the information learned today and share it with someone you know, as you may just save a life by preventing asbestos exposure. Be sure to send asbestos samples to an EPA-approved laboratory for analysis.

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