Introduction
For many years, asbestos has been used in the building industry, especially for building materials. Due to its durability, strength, and its nature, the natural mineral was being added to almost all building material. Because of asbestos heat-resistance capabilities and its strength, it is being used in many flooding materials. Ceilings, concrete, and insulation also make good use of asbestos. Asbestos can stay in a building without causing any harm for as long as it is not disturbed. The problem occurs when one wants to renovate their homes or when they want to demolish a building. If the building is made of material made of asbestos, the fiber will be exposed in the air and it will become airborne. Asbestos cannot be seen with the naked eye. That is why samples are always taken and tested in laboratories. Many experts can do that but nowadays, individuals can also take samples using their testing kits. Some materials and tools always come with asbestos testing kits
To test for asbestos, you must have disposable facemasks, disposable rubber, disposable coveralls, disposable shoe covers, vacuum, plastic sheeting, spray bottle, utility knife. Wet wipes, pliers, permanent marker, microfiber cloth, packing tape, paint, disposable paintbrush, garbage bags, and even freezer-grade zip locking plastic bag. After you have all that is required, here are some ways to test for asbestos
Avoid disturbing the area you wish to test
The first thing to do is avoiding any kind of disturbance to the area that you wish to test. You should avoid doing things such as trying to clean items or the area where you want to test. In case you suspect that asbestos also exists in the surface dust, make sure that there is still air in the area to avoid the asbestos fibers being airborne. You should start by shutting all the windows and doors and make sure to turn off the fans as well. Heaters, air conditioning, and anything that circulates air should also be turned down.
Make sure that you are in protective gear
As we have already said, asbestos is a slow poison. It is a killer mineral and if exposed to it, it can cause fatal health hazards. Before you enter the area where you suspect there is asbestos, what you should do is make sure that you have your protective gear on. You should wear your face mask, your gloves coveralls as well as your shoe cover. After you are done with collecting samples and removal of asbestos, make sure that whatever you were wearing is disposed of very carefully. You should never allow anyone in the area who is not wearing their protective gear. Make sure that everyone is protected.
Isolate a sample of suspected asbestos and mist it with water
To minimize any kind of dust, you should use your utility knife for the sake of loosening the sample of the material that you would wish to test. Without even touching the loosened sample, you should spray it down with water.
