HOW TO IDENTIFY ASBESTOS

Guidelines on how to identify asbestos in the home or in the workplace

HOW TO IDENTIFY ASBESTOS

May 21, 2010 – If you are reading this page to learn how to identify asbestos, please know, the best way to identify asbestos is to have one of the licensed asbestos abatement companies in your area remove a sample of suspected material and professionally analyze it.

Removing asbestos samples yourself is not recommended for two reasons. First, state and federal law require asbestos contractors versed in up-to-date abatement procedures to do the work; and second, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than just leaving the material alone.

According to the latest asbestos information, disturbing or cutting into asbestos material can dislodge microscopic toxic fibers into the air.

Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can result in asbestos exposure and lead to fatal diseases like mesothelioma, a malignant cancer that invades the tissue lining of the lungs.

Identify asbestos, leave it alone

When in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone. If asbestos material is in good condition, chances are it will not be harmful.

Asbestos material becomes hazardous when it is old and frayed, or when it appears to crumble easily. Of course cutting, sawing, scissoring, or sanding suspected asbestos material is also not advised.

Do not attempt to separate a sample on your own. Identifying suspected asbestos material that is old, frayed, damaged, or disturbed is important, but should be done only by a professional familiar with abatement procedures.

Weitz & Luxenberg – Champion to American workers

The New York Law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of asbestos-injured workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation.

And in that time the firm's asbestos cancer attorneys have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and seek a FREE legal consultation, please notify us through the communication form at left.

There is no cost to you until we obtain a verdict or settlement in your favor.