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Testing Asbestos:
Professional Asbestos Test
Kits, Asbestos Management Tips, Asbestos Testing kit
Asbestos is a naturally
occurring mineral distinguished by the fact that its crystals form long thin fibers. An
asbestos fiber is in reality an agglomeration of hundreds or thousands of microscopic
fibers. Until asbestos containing materials (ACM's) were banned in 1978, they were used in
a variety of materials including acoustical tiles, caulking, tile adhesives, shingles,
roofing felt and tiles, pipe and boiler insulation and wall board.
Asbestos is considered a health hazard in homes, offices and schools.
EPA and OSHA estimate that 20,000 people will die each year for the next 20 years from
asbestos exposure. The most effective method to determine whether building materials may
contain asbestos fibers is taking samples of the suspect material & test for it.
Asbestos & Lead test kits are the most popular kits sold in the U.S.
PROFESSIONAL ASBESTOS TESTING KIT
This simple to use professional asbestos test kit quantifies asbestos fibers to
as little as 1% content by weight, which is ideal for environmental professionals and/or contractors to determine the appropriate ACM abatement approach. It uses Polarized Light
Microscopy (PLM) for asbestos identification, and offers NVLAP proficiency results within 5 business days from date of receipt.
Just follow the simple asbestos sampling instructions, fill the chain of custody form (included in the kit) and mail the sample to the lab for
analysis (Lab Analysis Fee: $20.00). It saves over $230.00 in professional testing services, not sold in retail stores.
More About Asbestos - The US EPA
recommends whenever possible On-Site ACM's Management. Depending on the condition of
ACM's, it will be secured in place and subject to regular monitoring to insure that no
fibers are being released, or if the ACM is in poor condition, encapsulation, enclosure,
encasement or removal will be recommended. Problems associated with asbestos in buildings
can be managed to minimize exposure, liability and costs. The U.S. EPA identifies 3
categories of ACM's used in buildings:
- Surfacing Materials: ACM sprayed on surfaces for acoustical,
decorative or fireproofing purposes. This includes plaster and fireproofing insulation.
- Thermal System Insulation: Insulation used to inhibit heat
transfer or prevent condensation on pipes, boilers, tanks, ducts, and other components of
water systems and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This includes
pipe lagging, pipe wrap, block, batt, and blanket insulation and a variety of other
products such as gaskets and ropes.
- Miscellaneous Materials: Largely non-friable products and
materials such as floor and ceiling tiles, roofing felt, concrete pipe, outdoor siding and
fabrics.
- HEALTH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED TO ASBESTOS EXPOSURE - Health problems related to
asbestos exposure have been studied for many years. Results of these studies and
epidemiologic investigations have demonstrated that inhalation of asbestos fibers may lead
to increased risk of developing many diseases. Some people develop these diseases and
others don't. Why, remains to be discovered. Respiratory diseases associated to asbestos
are Asbestosis, Lung cancer and Mesothelioma.
For more information about asbestos, please contact ATI at (240)388-0030
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