Asbestos Test – Searching The Hazardous Substance
by Frederick M. Hueston
Asbestos is used as a building material due to its lightness and durability. It is hazardous to health because asbestos particles in the air form lung depositions and increase the risk of respiratory tract diseases including mesothelioma cancers and lung cancer. The asbestos test is performed on Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) that have asbestos percentage ranging from zero to hundred percent. Laboratories do the asbestos test through polarized light microscopy at an EPA approved testing laboratory.
The asbestos test is done to find the various forms of hazardous asbestos in our surroundings. Chysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite are the commercially viable forms of asbestos. Anthophyllite, Tremolite and Actinolite are less commercially viable. Chysotile (‘white asbestos’) constitutes a major portion of buildings in the United States while Amosite (‘brown asbestos’) is given second preference and Crocidolite (‘blue asbestos’) is used for specialized high temperature applications.
Sampling for Asbestos Test
The role of asbestos test lab is to advice on the amount and procedure of taking samples and the use of right container for asbestos testing. This is very important because the wrong use of sampling process may release asbestos particles leading to increased exposure risks. Hence, it is necessary to take the help of qualified asbestos professional for sampling.
Follow the safety precautions if you are doing the sampling for asbestos test on your own. Switch off any heating or cooling system and spray fine mist of water containing a little detergent on the suspicious material. The spray of detergent water prevents spreading of asbestos particles. Wear disposable gloves before handling the material. Take recommended sample amount using a small knife or any sharp object and place it in a clean airtight container indicating the date and place of sampling. While taking the sample of asbestos test, cover the surrounding area with plastic sheet and clean with a damp paper towel after sampling. Carefully dispose the material according to the state and local procedures and patch the sampled area with a duct tape to avoid further release of asbestos particles.
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