Author: Nicole Fallon | May 12, 2021 updated at 8:45 PM
Answer: Asbestos is a group of naturally-occurring minerals, which has the characteristics of heat resistance, fire resistance and electrical resistance. Because of their durability, they have been widely used in consumer products, from oven gloves to building insulation materials. However, in the 1970s, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause serious cancer and other diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestos.
Although asbestos is now strictly regulated in the United States, it still exists in some homes and old buildings. Homeowners who own properties built decades ago may wonder, what does asbestos look like? In short, it is blue, brown, or white, and often breaks easily.
It is important to understand how to identify asbestos and what to do if asbestos is found in your home. This is what the homeowner needs to know.
Three types of asbestos may be found in residential or commercial properties: crocidolite (blue), amosite (brown) and chrysotile (white).
Crocidolite is known as the most dangerous of all types of asbestos, and is usually used to isolate steam engines and spray coatings, pipe insulation materials, plastics and cement products. Its fibers are very thin and can be identified by their blue color.
Amosite is the second most commonly used asbestos in the United States and has a greater risk of cancer than other types of asbestos. This asbestos is brown and is often used in cement boards and pipe insulation materials, as well as insulation boards, ceilings and insulation products.
Chrysotile is the most commonly used asbestos. Found in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors, buildings were once constructed with materials containing chrysotile. In addition, this form of asbestos is commonly used for brake linings, gaskets and boiler seals, as well as insulation materials for pipes, pipes and electrical appliances. Chrysotile is white with a layered structure and crimped fibers.
When identifying asbestos, you can assess its fragility to determine whether it is fragile or non-fragile. Contrary to the fragile type, non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are actually very difficult to break. It is important to note these differences, because non-fragile ACM is still common in production.
Since the adhesive of the non-breakable ACM contains asbestos, the risk of releasing these toxic minerals and posing a danger to humans is much lower. However, they are still a threat—especially when they are eventually crushed or damaged, such as in retrofit projects.
Fragile ACM is more easily broken than non-fragile types and is now regulated due to its release of asbestos and related risks. However, they can still be found today because they are regularly added to the material before regulation.
Fragile asbestos is commonly found in products such as pipe insulation, water heater insulation, joint compounds, ceilings, plaster, and wallboard. Since they can be crushed, crushed or powdered by hand, they pose a great risk to exposed people.
It is also important to note that ACM that is not fragile can become fragile if it decomposes or is affected by certain conditions.
Although asbestos has some distinguishable characteristics, the analysis of its appearance usually requires the help of a microscope to show its color and shape. This is because asbestos can be broken down into fine particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. In fact, the typical size of their fibers is 0.1 to 10 microns in length. Asbestos is only visible in clusters or clusters; otherwise, without a microscope, individual fibers are too small to be seen.
Because asbestos fibers are usually microscopic, they can travel in the air for several days without being detected. This means that they are easily inhaled into the human lungs, which can cause serious health problems.
Asbestos in its original form is usually a soft mineral. Especially chrysotile asbestos, which accounted for about 98% of global asbestos production in 1988, is composed of soft and elastic fibers. Compared with other types of asbestos, chrysotile minerals tend to cause less damage to body tissues; however, they are still very dangerous and should be avoided.
Since asbestos was very common decades ago, unfortunately, asbestos is not uncommon in many old houses or buildings. If homeowners find asbestos during the renovation, they can take some measures to ensure their safety and minimize exposure during the asbestos reduction process.
The first action to take after asbestos is found in your home is to call a professional. They will check and test the materials for harmful minerals. Once everything has been thoroughly evaluated, they will recommend an action plan to remove or repair asbestos.
Asbestos repair is usually the preferred method of handling asbestos because it involves the least risk. Professionals will repair by encapsulation (coated with a sealant to prevent the fibers from spreading in the air) or sealing (covered with an air-tight material to prevent fiber release).
For most homeowners who find asbestos, asbestos removal is considered the last resort. The process of removing asbestos usually causes fibers to spread through the air in the home, which can pose serious health risks. However, well-trained professionals follow strict guidelines to ensure the safe removal of asbestos, including sealing the asbestos before discarding it in a sealed trash can or an approved location.
Throughout the process, professionals wear protective equipment and respirators, and the work area will be equipped with HEPA filters to clean the air. In addition, these authorized personnel will handle the cleanup and reassess the space before the homeowner returns.
It is important to note that DIY removal is not recommended, which can be very dangerous. Homeowners who find asbestos in their homes should consult a licensed asbestos abatement specialist to solve the problem. However, knowing how to visually identify asbestos is a good first step in making a home safer.
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