Asbestos identifying is the process by which materials are analyzed for asbestos content and the threat of exposure to these materials is assessed. An abatement professional is trained in asbestos identifying and can help develop an abatement plan to mitigate the health hazards in buildings and other environments where asbestos materials dwell.

Asbestos is the name of a group of naturally occurring minerals which have been used in thousands of products for the last hundred or more years. These materials are desirable because they are durable and highly resistant to heat and corrosion. Asbestos was used extensively from the 1930s to the 1970s in the construction, shipyard, automotive, and manufacturing industries. In the mid 1970s, the serious health threats associated with asbestos were identified and the use of this material sharply declined.

Though asbestos-containing materials are rarely used in building construction and other industries today, many buildings still house potentially dangerous asbestos-containing materials. Roofing, siding, insulation, heat ducts, floor tiles and other building materials may all potentially contain asbestos. Asbestos becomes harmful when a product's integrity is compromised due to heat, water, weathering, and aging. Asbestos becomes a health hazard when its fibers are inhaled or ingested.

Asbestos fibers that are released into the air are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos identifying can only be confirmed by taking a sample of a suspected material and performing a microscopic analysis. Asbestos identifying can also be performed in an environment by conducting air monitoring and dust testing.

Asbestos identifying is required in many schools throughout the nation in order to properly assess the health threats to our youth in buildings containing asbestos. Asbestos identifying is essential in any structure that is expected to house potentially dangerous asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos materials which are intact are generally considered non-friable and are often best left alone. An asbestos abatement professional can conduct asbestos identifying techniques in order to determine the best course of action in dealing with asbestos products.

Once asbestos products are identified, there are essentially three ways to manage problematic asbestos. Complete removal, enclosure, and encapsulation are all possible ways to mitigate the threat of health problems from asbestos exposure. Complete removal is often expensive and may not be necessary in order to solve an asbestos problem. Enclosure involves placing something over or around asbestos materials to prevent fiber release. Encapsulation treats the asbestos materials with a coating to provide similar protection. A professional trained in asbestos identifying and abatement should be the only individual to handle potentially hazardous asbestos materials. Improper handling of asbestos can cause a greater threat to health than choosing to leave the materials alone or have them handled by a professional.

If you wish to learn more about asbestos identifying and abatement, or have been injured as a result of asbestos exposure, you may wish to contact us to confer with an asbestos attorney.

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