Asbestos in Floor Tiles

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of asbestos, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of asbestos.

Since the discovery of the deadly effects asbestos has on health, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has created regulations to control the management, removal and disposal of asbestos material. One of the materials containing asbestos is vinyl floor tile (VAT). To handle them safely it is important to ensure that the material is in non-friable state. If the material is friable, the asbestos fibers can be freed when smashed. Generally, VAT is regarded as non-friable if it is not damaged.

When removing asbestos floor tiles, some problems might arise that can be potentially hazardous. Some of the difficulties that you will have to tackle are breathing through respirator which demands a greater effort from the heart and lungs. The vision is reduced because of the use of safety glasses.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of asbestos is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about asbestos.

The removal of VAT has to be done in whole pieces in order to be regarded as non-friable. It vital that in the process of abatement the tiles are not sawed, drilled or reduced to dust.

Before starting the work, it is important to isolate other materials with a plastic cover to avoid the fibers to move. Place a different sheet of plastic in the area where the tiles are to be kept.

The material that is being removed should be wetted with a hose or any other tool to prevent them from becoming airborne. The tiles removed should be kept as intact pieces.

The tiles should be put in leak proof containers such as plastic bags and the sign " DANGER ASBESTOS-CONTAING MATERIALS" must be placed on the container. Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I'm positive you'll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

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James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

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Removal of Asbestos Shingles

The only way to keep up with the latest about asbestos is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about asbestos, it won't take long for you to become an influential authority.

The use of asbestos in homes and buildings started in the 1930s when asbestos was used extensively because of its fireproofing qualities. In addition to this, asbestos is resistant and it was used to give strength to siding materials. Then, in the 1970s, its use was prohibited because many deadly diseases were associated with it.

The existence of asbestos at home does not imply that there is risk of developing any of the diseases related to it. But the problem is that asbestos or the material containing it can be damaged or altered in a way that the fibers could be released and become airborne. When the fibers are freed, they pose a terrible hazard to health they can enter the organism by inhaling or ingesting them. Nowadays, there are many laws and regulations that control the removal and disposal of asbestos.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole asbestos story from informed sources.

The first step is to analyze the condition of the shingles at home. If they are in good condition, it is preferable to leave them alone. Because touching or altering asbestos material could cause great damage.

If the material is in good condition, fibers will not be released unless it is saw, drill or cut. So do not disturb material that is unspoiled. On the contrary, if the material is not in good state there are two options to solve the problem, one is to remove and the other is to repair it. The process of repairing the material includes sealing (encapsulation) or covering (enclosure) the asbestos.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on asbestos. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of asbestos.

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James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

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Asbestos in Schools

Are you looking for some inside information on asbestos? Here's an up-to-date report from asbestos experts who should know.

The asbestos has arrived to schools. The ex students-athletes, coachers and outdoor maintenance workers of the Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, are being recommended to be checked for early signs of asbestos-related diseases.

This health check was suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for those who used or worked on the athletic fields, running track, dirt paths and baseball diamonds of that school, before 2004 -2005 school year.

On 2005, the school grounds were cemented and landscaped. In addition, the asbestos-laden soil was replaced from baseball diamonds. The federal Environmental Protection Agency completed this asbestos-containment work on the campus.

Most of this information comes straight from the asbestos pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

The school, which has about 1.800 students, was opened in 1984. Since that year on, all those who may have had some moderately long-standing contact with amphibole asbestos fibers before the improvement, are recommended to have that medical screening. The tremolite dust is the kind of asbestos widespread in El Dorado Hills and contains amphibole asbestos fibers. These fibers can cover the lungs, raising the danger of pleura disease and mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos-related diseases typically do not turn out to be manifest until at least ten years or more after contact. Some of the symptoms can be coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain and doctors must pay attention to this if they are persistent.

After all the lessening efforts that have been put in the school, the district believes there is much less asbestos-exposure threat now on the foothills site.

When word gets around about your command of asbestos facts, others who need to know about asbestos will start to actively seek you out.

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James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

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Asbestos Statistics

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of asbestos is certainly no exception.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been widely used in the past in construction materials. But after the discovery of the deadly health consequences related to asbestos, its exploitation was banned. In spite of this, the prohibition could not stop the damage already done to people that has been exposed to this material either in the workplace or at home.

In 2002, 1862 deaths were reported to have been caused by mesothelioma, which is one of the most common diseases related to asbestos. It is considered that asbestos related lung cancer deaths equal those caused by mesothelioma. And taking into account asbestosis, there were 112 deaths in 2002 and in the following year 655 deceases were reported.

The more authentic information about asbestos you know, the more likely people are to consider you a asbestos expert. Read on for even more asbestos facts that you can share.

There has been an increase in the yearly figure of deaths caused by mesothelioma. In 1968, 153 deceases were recounted and in 2000 the number rose to 1633. In the year 2001, 1860 deaths were reported and the next year there were 1862 cases. The highest point of mesothelioma deaths is expected to hit Great Britain between 2011 and 2015 with an estimated number of 1950 to 2450 deaths. This estimation is done considering the peak of asbestos exposure in that country, which was around the 1960s. As regards asbestosis, the annual number of cases reported in 2003 was of 655 cases.

This gigantic proportion of cases has led to the setting of controls and regulations to reduce the risk related to asbestos. The Asbestos Regulations has prohibited asbestos handling and manipulation with a few exceptions.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

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James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

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Asbestos Disposal Advice

There are some countries that do not own landfills specifically destined for asbestos waste. If this is the case in your city or country, friable asbestos waste can be disposed at sites where industries waste is thrown.

There are many regulations controlling asbestos disposal and one of the requirements is to label the containers to identify the material. Information about the volumes, composition and location of asbestos waste must be recorded.

The personnel involved in the gathering, transportation and disposal of asbestos waste are exposed to the risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. To prevent this, it is vital to provide the people in charge of doing the job with the proper protective equipment, such special clothing and respiratory gear. The asbestos materials that will be disposed have to be wetted. The vehicles transporting the asbestos must be marked with a sign informing about the hazardous waste. The waste must be deposited in authorized site that is suitable and available for that purpose.

As you've read until now, this is a subject that needs knowledge and effort to work around. And the information in this article is gathered from several resources created by experts in the field.

There are some more gems of wisdom in what follows - keep reading.

There is a difference between friable and non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos is in the form of powder or can become powder with a slight pressure. And non-friable asbestos is material that cannot be reduced to powder because it is harder. Non-friable material is in some places are not consider hazardous. Consequently, the procedures of disposal of both kinds differ greatly.

In conclusion, friable asbestos waste should be dealt with carefully to ensure that there are no leakages while it is being transported. Once the waste is deposited in the landfill there are no risks with regard to water contamination.

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James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, An site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

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Asbestos - Don't Die Of Fright!

Asbestos generates a lot of fear, much of it, although genuine and understandable, is unwarranted. On the other hand, some people ignore the risks problem. Much is said and written about asbestos - here are the facts.

Asbestos can kill, but only in the right (!) circumstances

Asbestos is a very hazardous material, but it is only risk to health when the asbestos fibres become airborne, are inhaled and are deposited in your lungs. So, asbestos materials that are undamaged and undisturbed are not a risk.

If the fibres do get into the atmosphere in significant quantities they are a serious health risk. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen) and asbestosis (a chronic fibrosis of the lungs). In the past, several industries generated high levels of asbestos fibre in the air. As a result, there are many cases of disease, and many deaths ? at least 3500 deaths a year in the UK at present.

Because asbestos was used so widely in buildings, there are groups of people who may still be exposed to fibres ? but usually at lower concentrations than the older industries. These groups include tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians, and other building and maintenance workers. They are exposed to asbestos when they accidentally disturb asbestos fibres during their normal work.

Diseases caused by asbestos

Cancers

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the chest and abdominal lining. Almost all cases are caused by asbestos. It is always fatal. Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop, from the time of first exposure to development of the disease (known as its latency period): between 15 and 60 years. Exposure to high levels for long periods is not necessary, but the risk increases with higher and longer exposures. It is caused by the brown and blue asbestos, but not by white asbestos.

Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer caused by asbestos is identical to that caused by smoking. People who smoke and are exposed to asbestos run an even higher risk. The latency period is usually at least 20 years. It can be caused by any asbestos fibre, but the risk is higher from brown and blue asbestos.

Other lung diseases

Asbestosis is a disease which causes scarring of the lung tissue - fibrosis. The tissue becomes leathery and less flexible. The lungs? is less able to absorb oxygen from the air and pass it into the blood. Breathing becomes more difficult and the disease progresses over the years. It is sometimes quoted as an underlying cause of death when a sufferer dies. Latency period is about 15 to 30 years.

Pleural plaques or diffuse pleural thickening is a scarring of the chest lining. It can be seen on X-rays but does not cause noticeable symptoms. There is no know connection between pleural plaques and other asbestos diseases, but it is used as a marker of asbestos exposure.

Click the link for the full articleNiall Evans is a health and safety professional in the UK. http://www.clickforhealthandsafety.com/Asbestos-Dont-Die-Of-Fright.html

About Asbestos

Everyone that has ever heard of asbestos knows that it is extremely dangerous. Nevertheless, not everyone is familiar with what this toxin is and what kind of precise dangers it poses to those individuals that are exposed. Let's take a look at some of the dangers associated with this hazard below.

Asbestos is actually a mixture of six natural minerals and it can be found in older buildings, older textiles and older plastic products. It is much like fiberglass in consistency and when it is airborne it is extremely dangerous and toxic to humans and animals alike. Asbestos, when airborne can lead to a disease termed, asbestosis - a form of lung cancer. In essence, long term exposure results in the damage of lung tissues which are irreversibly scarred and permanently damaged.

Anyone who has endured long term exposure may begin exhibiting the signs and symptoms frequently associated with asbestosis: severe difficulty breathing, spasmodic coughing fits, and in worse case scenarios, exposure can lead to death. Likewise, gastrointestinal cancer, cancer of the esophagus, mesothelioma, cancer of the intestines, is also a risk for those that are exposed. In addition, exposure to asbestos has also been known to wreak havoc with the human immune system, weakening it to a state where it does not function properly. Clearly, exposure to this natural hazard is extremely dangerous. Yet, what can people do to protect themselves from exposure? No matter where one discovers a source of these minerals, whether they are from old building materials like special cement or other products, it is imperative that they act quickly to have them immediately removed.

There are a number of companies that focus on the removal of this toxic hazard. Testing can be conducted to detect the hazardous material and if the test proves positive it is imperative that the property owner takes measures to ensure its immediate and safe removal.

No one should ever attempt to remove hazardous, toxic material themselves: especially in terms of asbestos. The removal of this particular toxin requires trained professionals who are skilled at handling such poisons. First, the material will need to be wetted to keep the it from becoming airborne and threatening those in the surrounding area. Next, the toxic waste will need to be professionally contained and sealed and removed from the location. Workers will be required to wear special equipment to protect themselves, like respirators, coveralls, rubber boots, eye protection and rubber gloves to prevent the toxins from entering the body.

Further, warning signs will need to be posted during the process of removal. Air conditioning and heating systems cannot be used during the process of removal because doing so would promote the toxin's airborne travel. Likewise, any area being worked will have to be sealed off until the removal process is complete. Finally, all removal work will have to be followed up with a decontamination process. Clearly, the removal of this dangerous toxin is something that is better left to the professionals that are used to handling it.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Asbestos

EPA Testing For Asbestos Surrounding Ground Zero Will Go Forward

After nearly four years, the EPA announced on November 29 that it will begin testing of residential and commercial spaces which may have been exposed to environmental toxins following the 9/11 destruction of the World Trade centers. In a much-maligned plan by local residents and even EPA panel member, testing of structures in lower Manhattan will begin in early in 2006. The area within borders between Canal street to the north and west of Pike and Allen Streets will be evaluated for a number of substances which could pose a risk to residents, including asbestos. Testing will be done on a voluntary basis.

Asbestos was used for insulation in the north tower of the World Trade center through the 40th floor. As a result of the collapse of the buildings, an enormous amount of debris containing asbestos was released into the air. In the week following the disaster, New Yorkers were told that the air was safe to breathe; yet were also instructed to clean dust carefully and avoid inhalation. The EPA later concluded that the announcement that the air was not dangerous was premature. Because of the prolonged period of time before disease manifests, it will be years before the true toll of asbestos exposure surrounding Ground Zero will be revealed.

While the plan calls for an expenditure of $7 million, those who oppose the plan feel it is inadequate. Concerned residents argued at a meeting at the Alexander Hamilton US customs house on December 13 that the testing is flawed because of it?s tightly limited geographical area, questionable methodology and voluntary nature. Distrust of the government agency stems from assurances by former EPA Administrator Christine Todd-Whitman that the air surrounding the site of the terrorist attack was safe to breathe in the days after the collapse. Timothy Oppelt, Chair of the EPA technical panel investigating the issue was quoted in NY Newsday as feeling that the plan "incorporates the best science available today." (12/13/05).

A review of some of the comments of the panelists as posted on the EPA website confirmed that there are many questions about the completeness of the EPA plan. Although the area to be tested is limited to lower Manhattan south of Canal Street, dust and debris spread to a far wider area, into Brooklyn and beyond. Other concerns include the testing methodology planned.

Most published research on asbestos related illnesses related to long-term exposure, rather that a single extreme exposure as experienced after the WTC collapse. Mesothelioma is most often found in asbestos workers following years of work-place exposure. The disease has been found, however, in worker?s spouses, presumably as a result of handling dust ridden work garments. Little data on single exposure is available, and leaves many questions unanswered.

This information, and the experience of the residents of the vermiculite-mining town of Libby, Montana point to a potentially serious problem in lower Manhattan. Blanketed by debris on every surface, with visibility limited to just a few feet in the days after the attack, the extreme nature of exposure following 9/11 is unprecedented.Visit http://www.mesothelioma.com for comprehensive mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information.

Asbestos - From Miracle Mineral To Mesothelioma Menace

During World War II Asbestos was hailed by many as a miracle mineral. Almost anything could be built or manufactured from this mineral. The building and construction industries used it as an additive to strengthen cement and plastics. Asbestos fibers can be separated into thin threads which do not conduct electricity and are not affected by heat or chemicals.

The four main types of asbestos are: Amosite with brown fibers, Anthophyllite with gray fibers, white Christie, and blue Crocidolite. Chrysotile has curly fibers while the other three have rod like fibers. These fibers break into dust quite easily and drift in the air. They can stick on skin, clothing, and can easily be swallowed or inhaled.

Use of asbestos skyrocketed during World War II. Shipbuilding used asbestos extensively in freighters and support vessels to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. Asbestos became the miracle construction material as it was easily obtained, processed, and transported.

After WWII cars used asbestos in break shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos found its way into residential and industrial building materials, water supply, sewage materials, ceiling and floor tiles, and vermiculite garden materials to name a few products.

In the 1970's the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in several products that could release asbestos fibers into the environment during use, following the discoveries of the health dangers of asbestos dust inhalation. Regulations governing the use of asbestos and concern of public opinion since 1970 have created a significant drop in the use of asbestos in the United States.

In 1989 all new uses of asbestos were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency while any old uses before that year were still permitted. The EPA suggested that schools inspect for damaged asbestos and eliminate any exposure or enclose it in protective barriers. Vermiculite, widely used in horticulture, became a concern of the EPA that recommended outdoor use, limiting the amount of dust used, and keeping vermiculite damp.

Asbestos may create serious health hazards such as coughing, lung damage, shortness of breath, and lung cancer. Most people do not become sick in the early stages of development, but usually need continued exposure, often on jobs such as mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos products, and building construction. Firemen, demolition workers, drywall removers, and any other workers in trades that involve destruction of buildings, ships, and automobiles are also exposed to the hazards and risks of asbestos.

Over a period of years continual exposure to asbestos can cause very serious health problems, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of carcinoma of the membrane that lines numerous cavities of the body, including the lungs, abdomen and heart, and has been associated with exposure to asbestos dust. In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelioma metastasize and damage adjacent organs and tissues.

Risk of developing mesothelioma takes a long period of time, often as long as twenty-five or thirty-five years before full blown symptoms appear. Not all workers who have been exposed will develop diseases caused by asbestos, but workers who have been exposed to it may bring fibers on their clothing, hair, shoes, and skin home to their families. To circumvent this risk, most industries require workers to bathe and change their clothing before they leave work.

Many studies have been conducted involving the risks of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The results of one such study involving the risks of smoking and exposure to asbestos proved extremely hazardous.

For further information on asbestos, such as risks, research, lawsuits and disease support groups visit:

http://www.asbestos-headquarters.com

Grant Davis, is a freelance writer and has worked in a variety of fields, including teaching. Feel free to use the above article as long as it is reprinted in its entirety.

How To Handle Asbestos In Your Home

Asbestos has been related with many debilitating diseases. Asbestos was once a widely used building material because it is strong and durable. If you live in a home that is over 20 years old there is a possibility that there is asbestos in your home. Asbestos was banned from being used in 1985, but asbestos already in place remains unless removed. If you suspect there is asbestos in your home there are some things you can do.

Asbestos is not harmful unless it is disturbed, such as during remodeling. So the first thing to do is to stay calm. Even if you have asbestos in your home you may not have been exposed to its harmful effects. Asbestos can not be identified form appearance alone, so it is important to call an inspector to test the area of suspicion. Most often asbestos can be found in roofs, wall panels, pipes and bath panels. If you suspect asbestos it is best to let a professional handle the situation. It is important not to disturb the area until after testing.

There are a few different ways to deal with and remove asbestos from your home. Sealing or asbestos encapsulation is where undamaged asbestos is coated with a substance that prevents the asbestos fibers from becoming airborne. If the asbestos is not intact and is crumbling or damaged then it should be covered or remove. It is important to seek the help of a professional in this matter.

Asbestos can be harmful if not handled properly. It is very important if you have damaged areas that are suspected to contain asbestos, that you get them inspected and removed if necessary. It is also important to remember that undamaged asbestos posses no immediate harm and if coated will prevent further problems. Always handle asbestos situations seriously and correct problems immediately. Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides asbestos information on CyberTopics!

Asbestos Health Concerns

Asbestos was once used widely in commercial and residential building projects. It is a strong substance that is even stronger than steel. It also is unaffected by heat, chemicals and does not conduct electricity. This all combined made asbestos a great building material. However, throughout the years many health problems have been associated with asbestos. Health problems first showed up in people that worked closely with asbestos, but it was soon realized that even those who did not work closely with it, but were exposed to it may also suffer health problems.

There are a few different types of asbestos. Chrysotile, called white asbestos is the most common form of asbestos used in the United States. Amosite or brown asbestos is made from light gray or brown fibers. Crocidolite or blue asbestos is made of blue fibers. Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite are forms of asbestos that were most commonly used to make products. Such products include building materials, sewage piping, roofing, siding, electrical wire casing, tiles, paints and other construction materials. Asbestos was also used in automobiles for clutch and brake parts. In industrial settings asbestos was used for filters in beverage machines, flooring and cigarette filters. Asbestos was used on a great level for a variety of products thus making the discovery of its health risks important for everyone.

Asbestos is dangerous when breathed in. It is very hard to determine if asbestos is present in the air as it does not cause immediate problems like coughing or itchiness. Symptoms may not appear for 10 to 40 years after being exposed. Diseases caused by asbestos are hard to treat and most often impossible to cure. Asbestosis is one common asbestos related disease. It causes an inflammation in the lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos disease that is a cancer of the outside lining of the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos has also been associated with other forms of lung cancer. Asbestos related diseases are very painful.

Asbestos is no longer used due to the health concerns surrounding it. Asbestos is most dangerous when a product made from it is bothered and the dust is released into the air. The only way to safely handle and detect asbestos is through a professional trained to work with asbestos.Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides asbestos information on Asbestos Facts!

Is There Asbestos In Your Floor?

A couple of years ago, I went to replace a vinyl floor in a basement level bathroom of my house. As I lifted up the old flooring I found the mastic was white with a fibrous look to it. Because my house was built over 20 years ago, I was concerned that I might have uncovered a source of asbestos in my home and just exposed myself to a risk of mesothelioma cancer.

I stopped my project and did some further research. Prior to the 1970's many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. I used to watch my father, a private contractor, and I remember him using asbestos insulation for a heating pipe inside a wall. That was a long time ago, but the research I've done shows that this stuff is still very much with us as it is often more harmful to have it removed than to simply leave it alone.

I found a local agency that does asbestos testing and gave them a call. I was told that usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material alone, if it is in good condition. This is because material that is more or less "stable" will not release asbestos fibers which means you don't have a significant expose risk. In this situation the risk is actually greater if you try to remove it. Asbestos isn't like radioactive material and isn't going to harm you just sitting there. You need to breathe in the fibers to be at risk.

However, if the asbestos material shows signs of wear or damage which includes tearing, abrasion, or water damage. Or if it is exposed to abrasion, extreme vibration or air flow you should have it repaired or removed by a professional as it may be "ejecting" fibers into the air.

So there I am with a half torn up vinyl floor and the worry that I have just very much disturbed so-called asbestos material.

Oops.

My choices were now to have this tested, and if it did have asbestos fibers I would need it removed and possibly have my house decontaminated as well. If material on the EPA's "Sample List of Suspect Asbestos-Containing Materials Exit Ecology" was manufactured with asbestos in the past, it is safe to assume that it contains asbestos. In this case, I had no idea. I wasn't certain when these materials were manufactured and had no way to find out. Unless testing, the date of manufacture, the label, or the manufacturer verifies that the material is asbestos free, the material may be presumed to have asbestos and treated as though it contained asbestos without being tested or surveyed.

It turns out there are many asbestos testing and Abatement Contractors. Some are listed locally in the Yellow Pages and many others can be found online. I called someone and we discussed all of the information I could find on my house. I had my floor tested and it turned out to be fine. I didn't need to have any asbestos removal or decontamination.

Perhaps I was a little paranoid, but I've seen the effects of mesothelioma and I would just as soon not wait 30 to 50 years before finding out that something that I thought wasn't exposure actually was. If you live in a new home, you should nothing to worry about but many people live in fine older homes that were construction, repaired and renovated during times when asbestos-based materials were commonly used. A bit of testing if you think there's a possible risk is far less expensive that what could be in store further down the road.Adrian Zhu is an author writing for http://www.mybest-mesothelioma-pages.com

Getting Help for an Asbestos Injury

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Asbestos is a material that was widely used in a range of everyday items up until the late 1970s and early 1980s. Millions of people were exposed to this material on a daily basis, but those exposed to the highest levels were people that worked with asbestos in one form or another. The risks concerning asbestos related injury are now more widely recognized; however, in the past people that worked with asbestos were oblivious to the dangers of this substance. It is thought, however, that many of the companies and manufacturers linked to asbestos were aware of the dangers from as early as the 1920s, and that they continued to let people suffer asbestos related injuries by allowing them to work with asbestos without the necessary protection or warnings.

Asbestos is now linked with a range of injuries and diseases. Some asbestos related injuries that can be sustained through unprotected exposure to this material include: pleural effusion, pleural plaques, rounded atelectasis, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. But perhaps the most worrying and deadliest effect of exposure to asbestos is mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can start in the lungs, abdomen, or the cavities around the heart. This cancer can reduce the victims lifespan to a matter of months, and can result directly from exposure to asbestos.

One unique this about this particular asbestos related injury is that it can take a very long time for the sufferer to realize that he or she has been affected. Mesothelioma has a latency period of several decades, which means that it could take thirty years or more for symptoms to manifest. Those suffering as asbestos related injury are entitled to claim for compensation. However, because of the long latency period associated with mesothelioma, some people assume that they will not be able to get compensation because, after all these years, they have no idea where or when they may have been exposed to asbestos.

A good and experience mesothelioma lawyer will be accustomed to dealing with asbestos related injuries, and will be able to investigate the matter of your behalf. Many specialist mesothelioma lawyers will employ the services of an investigator at their own cost to determine where and when your asbestos related injuries were sustained. All you need to do is be as frank and honest with the lawyer as possible, and he or she can then work towards obtaining the information required in relation to your asbestos related injury, enabling you to file a lawsuit against the appropriate parties.

In order to determine where and when your asbestos related injury was sustained, your lawyer will need time. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to seek legal assistance at the earliest opportunity. Taking early action with regards to getting a mesothelioma lawyer will buy you and your lawyer valuable time, and will increase the chances of your lawyer being able to investigate your asbestos related injury quickly and efficiently.

For more information on filing an asbestos related lawsuit, visit http://www.MesotheliomaFirms.com

The dangers of asbestos

If you read the newspaper or watch the nightly news, chances are you've heard about some of the dangers of asbestos. What is often ignored in these messages, however, is that asbestos also has a number of useful properties. If used responsibly and maintained in good condition, asbestos can be beneficial without causing harm.

What is asbestos? The term refers to microscopic, naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. These minerals have been used for years by the construction industry. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Asbestos is commonly used in insulation, fireproofing, roofing, flooring, and other building materials. The strength of the fibers and asbestos's resistance to heat make these materials very useful.

Why, then, are people afraid of asbestos? Well, asbestos is a carcinogenic, toxic substance. Asbestos-containing materials are not a health risk if they are left undisturbed. However, if these materials become damaged, the asbestos fibers separate and become airborne. This is when human exposure is likely to occur, as asbestos may be inhaled into the lungs.

While no safe level of exposure has been determined, health problems are more common with greater and longer exposure to the fibers. Some of these health problems include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. It is not true that asbestos causes headaches or sore muscles, as many once believed. Immediate health issues like these are rarely seen. In actuality, most damaging health effects of asbestos exposure don't surface until many years later. Perhaps this is why building buyers prefer to err on the side of caution when asbestos inspections are done.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a program for schools and other building owners in order to keep asbestos fiber levels low. In an effort to protect students and residents, the program aims to teach people how to recognize asbestos-containing materials. It also educates people about how to manage these materials and how to avoid exposure. With proper education and careful management, health risks from asbestos can theoretically be prevented.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Asbestos Resources a website providing information on asbestos

Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye ?

 If you are in the construction business or employed by an industry that uses products containing asbestos, you may wonder Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye? Generally asbestos fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it has broken down into small fibers and is inhaled. It is nearly impossible to detect the presence of asbestos without taking the material to a lab for testing. A lab technician will put the material under a microscope to search for asbestos fibers. Asbestos does not cause an immediate reaction. It will not cause you to cough, sneeze, or your eyes to water. You cannot see, smell, or taste asbestos. If you skin becomes contaminated with asbestos it will not burn or itch.

Asbestos related diseases have a very long latency period. This is the time frame from when you are first exposed to asbestos until you become ill. Most persons do not become ill for at least ten years after exposure and some not until over forty years later. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are all asbestos related diseases. Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lungs. The body will naturally produce an acid to combat the fibers. However, this acid can cause scarring in the tissue of the lungs and in advanced stages breathing becomes more difficult and painful. Asbestosis was first documented in shipyard workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer. If a person smokes and is exposed to asbestos, they have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has only been linked to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the cells that line the peritoneum (area surrounding the abdominal organs) and the pleura (area outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs).

There is a lot of debate and controversy surrounding which types of asbestos is harmful. Some types of asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than others but all types of asbestos exposure should be avoided. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), and tremolite are all types of asbestos. Chrysotile is the type of asbestos most commonly used in manufacturing products.

Asbestos fibers are not visible to the eye. If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most common method for testing is a chest x-ray. The x-ray will not show the asbestos fibers but it can spot early signs of lung disease. There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Asbestos Resources a website providing information on asbestos