Friable and non friable Asbestos: why to test, and why their dangerous:
Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are divided into two categories: friable and non friable (sheathed and/ or non crumbling).
Friable ACM contains more than 1% asbestos and can be easily crumbled by hand pressure. (some states monitor materials containing less than 1% asbestos.) Usually, friable ACM is considered more dangerous of the two types because the particles can be loosened and broken down by the crumbling and become airborne. Once floating freely, they may be inhaled and later case damage.
Examples of friable ACM could include fireproofing on structural beams, sprayed-on asbestos ceiling insulation, and trawled-on acoustical plaster.
Non friable ACM can present problems if it is disturbed in any way. Some examples of non-friable ACM include asbestos cement, asphalt and vinyl floor tiles. Asbestos is not easily released from these products unless mechanically damaged by rubbing, sanding, cutting or grinding.
Is asbestos easily recognizable?
No. Products may be suspect because of what they are used, but the only way to know for sure is by testing. If a possible source of asbestos is found in a home, don’t panic. Treat the material as though it were and have it sampled and tested by an expert.
How is asbestos testing done?
Testing for asbestos is done in two stages. First testing must be done to determine that asbestos is present, and secondly, air testing is done during and after abatement to make sure that the workers are not unduly exposed and that the site has been adequately cleaned. Most states require certified personnel to do commercial sampling testing and cleanup.
What are the different types of Asbestos testing?
1. Bulk Sampling Test: A certified inspector , after wetting the surface, removes a core sample or scrapes the surface, placing the material in a clean, labelled container and sends it to a qualified lab. In the lab, only an electrons or a polarizing light microscope (PLM) can identify both the percentage and the type of asbestos present in the sample.
2. Air Sample Testing: The Phase Contrast Microscopic method (PMC) is fast, widely available and requires very little preparation. Unfortunately, this less expensive test ($20 to $50 per sample) is not specific for asbestos and the smallest fiber are not counted. If levels above 0.01 fibers/cubic centimeter are found additional testing by the Transmission Electron Microscopy method (TEM) is required TEM is slower and more expensive ($100 to $300 per sample),
Who is permitted to test for and remove asbestos?
Trained asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected
material, assess its condition, and advise about what corrections are needed and who is
qualified to make those corrections. When hiring a professional, the property owner should
check credentials carefully and ask for reference from previous clients.
adxasbestos removal.com 125 S Clark St Chicago, IL
Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are divided into two categories: friable and non friable (sheathed and/ or non crumbling).
Friable ACM contains more than 1% asbestos and can be easily crumbled by hand pressure. (some states monitor materials containing less than 1% asbestos.) Usually, friable ACM is considered more dangerous of the two types because the particles can be loosened and broken down by the crumbling and become airborne. Once floating freely, they may be inhaled and later case damage.
Examples of friable ACM could include fireproofing on structural beams, sprayed-on asbestos ceiling insulation, and trawled-on acoustical plaster.
Non friable ACM can present problems if it is disturbed in any way. Some examples of non-friable ACM include asbestos cement, asphalt and vinyl floor tiles. Asbestos is not easily released from these products unless mechanically damaged by rubbing, sanding, cutting or grinding.
Is asbestos easily recognizable?
No. Products may be suspect because of what they are used, but the only way to know for sure is by testing. If a possible source of asbestos is found in a home, don’t panic. Treat the material as though it were and have it sampled and tested by an expert.
How is asbestos testing done?
Testing for asbestos is done in two stages. First testing must be done to determine that asbestos is present, and secondly, air testing is done during and after abatement to make sure that the workers are not unduly exposed and that the site has been adequately cleaned. Most states require certified personnel to do commercial sampling testing and cleanup.
What are the different types of Asbestos testing?
1. Bulk Sampling Test: A certified inspector , after wetting the surface, removes a core sample or scrapes the surface, placing the material in a clean, labelled container and sends it to a qualified lab. In the lab, only an electrons or a polarizing light microscope (PLM) can identify both the percentage and the type of asbestos present in the sample.
2. Air Sample Testing: The Phase Contrast Microscopic method (PMC) is fast, widely available and requires very little preparation. Unfortunately, this less expensive test ($20 to $50 per sample) is not specific for asbestos and the smallest fiber are not counted. If levels above 0.01 fibers/cubic centimeter are found additional testing by the Transmission Electron Microscopy method (TEM) is required TEM is slower and more expensive ($100 to $300 per sample),
Who is permitted to test for and remove asbestos?
Trained asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected
material, assess its condition, and advise about what corrections are needed and who is
qualified to make those corrections. When hiring a professional, the property owner should
check credentials carefully and ask for reference from previous clients.
adxasbestos removal.com 125 S Clark St Chicago, IL
