Asbestos is a highly toxic substance for humans. Depending on factors such as the amount of asbestos particles inhaled, the duration of exposure to the material or the specific type of asbestos, it can cause serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung or pleural cancer, among others. Therefore, it is crucial to identify this material to avoid health problems. However, many people do not know how to recognize asbestos nor how to manage it correctly.
This article aims to provide you with all the information you need to learn how to identify asbestos and properly protect yourself from its potential dangers.
Key features
Before we delve into how to recognize asbestos, it is useful to know its main characteristics. Asbestos is a set of natural minerals that are organized into fibers. These fibers are extremely thin and, under certain conditions, can easily become airborne and be inhaled, posing the greatest risk to health.
Throughout history, asbestos has been appreciated for its resistance to heat, abrasion and its insulation capacityThis made it a common material in industry, especially in the construction and transport sectors. Some studies suggest that asbestos can remain in lung tissue for more than 20 years, which explains the long-term illnesses it can trigger.
Asbestos has been used in over three thousand different applications. Despite its ban in many countries, especially in the European Union, it is still present in many older buildings and products manufactured before the ban, making it a latent risk.
Asbestos properties
Asbestos, also known as asbestos, is composed of silicates of iron, sodium, magnesium and calcium. One of its main characteristics is its crystalline structure arranged in extremely fine fibers, which group together to form larger fibers.
Among its most notable properties are its relative density of approximately 2,5 or with a melting point above 1.000 ºC. Thanks to its chemical composition, it is a heat-resistant mineral and can withstand very high temperatures before decomposing.
Another interesting feature is that asbestos is resistant to both alkalis (particularly chrysotile) and acids (mainly amosite and crocidolite). This explains why these materials have been used so widely in industry, especially as insulators.
Asbestos is practically indestructibleIt is non-flammable, insoluble and has a high electrical and wear resistance. This, however, makes it a great danger when released into the air, as its fibers can remain suspended for a long time.
Danger
The main risk of asbestos occurs when the fibers are inhaled. Once in the body, the larger fibers are eliminated through the mucociliary system or by macrophages, but the smaller fibers can reach the pulmonary alveoli. These fibers are highly toxic, capable of causing inflammation, fibrosis and cancer.
Not all asbestos fibres are equally dangerous. The thinnest and longest fibres are the most harmful because they can reach the deepest parts of the lungs. For this reason, crocidolite and amosite fibres are considered more dangerous than chrysotile fibres.
The toxicity of asbestos also depends on the duration of exposure and the concentration of fibres in the air. In work environments, legislation sets limits to avoid prolonged exposure. There are strict regulations for the management of asbestos, and in many countries, such as Spain, Only specialized companies are authorized to remove asbestos..
It is essential that asbestos is not handled without adequate protection as any small release of particles can lead to health risks.
How to recognize asbestos
Although it may seem difficult, there are several methods to recognize asbestos in your home or property.
The most common way to see asbestos is in the form of fiber cement boards. These boards were used massively in the construction of roofs, walls and floors, especially in buildings built before 2002. To identify whether a fibre cement board contains asbestos, you can check the property documentation. If the board was manufactured after 2001, it is very likely that it does not contain asbestos, since its use was prohibited at that time.
Identification by Visual Inspection
The first step in recognizing asbestos in your property is to carry out a visual inspection. There are different colors that can help you identify the type of asbestos present:
- Blanco: This is the most common and is usually present in the form of chrysotile. Mainly used in ceilings, floors and walls, it can also be found in pipes, appliances and joints.
- Brown: Represented by amosite, most commonly used in cement sheets, pipes and insulating panels.
- BLUE: Crocidolite, commonly used in thermal insulation of steam engines and in plastics and cement products.
- Dull grey or green: Originating from anthophyllite, found in insulation and construction materials.
- Green or transparent: Associated with tremolite and actinolite, usually in constructions containing asbestos.
Consulting the building documentation
Another simple strategy is to check the building documentation, particularly any renovations carried out before 2002. In many cases, building reports will be able to indicate whether asbestos has been used. Also, if the roof is marked “NT” (New Technology), this means that it does not contain asbestos.
Sampling
If you still have doubts, the best way to check for the presence of asbestos is taking a sample of the material and sending it to a specialized laboratory. However, this procedure can be dangerous if you do not have the proper equipment. For this reason, it is highly recommended to go to a specialized professional.
In this context, a professional will not only take the sample safely, but will also be able to advise you on the next steps to take, from removing the asbestos to the regulations governing its disposal.
How to safely remove asbestos
Once asbestos has been identified, one of the biggest mistakes that can be made is to try to remove it without the help of professionals. Asbestos requires specialized management under strict safety regulations.
Hire a licensed professional
In Spain, for example, only companies that are duly authorised by the Asbestos Risk Registry (RERA) can carry out asbestos removal. These companies are trained and equipped to handle the substance safely and in accordance with all necessary regulations.
Withdrawal process
When a specialized company is in charge of removing asbestos, the process includes seal the affected areas and encapsulate the fibers to prevent the release of particles into the air. Removed materials must be stored in airtight security bags and transported to an authorized landfill for disposal.
It is important to note that not all asbestos necessarily needs to be removed immediately. If the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and have not been damaged, it is possible to encapsulate them. But monitoring should always be carried out to ensure that they do not deteriorate over time.
Regulations and legislation
Nowadays, The use of asbestos is banned in most countries., including the European Union since 2005. In Spain, the total ban on asbestos came into force in 2002, meaning that any building built before that date may potentially contain this dangerous substance.
El RD 396 / 2006 establishes the minimum health and safety provisions applicable to work with a risk of exposure to asbestos in Spain. This decree specifies, among other things, the exposure limits for workers and the obligation for companies to be registered with the RERA.
Legal Responsibilities
If you own a building containing asbestos, it is your responsibility to ensure that the material is handled correctly. Not only for health reasons, but also to avoid legal penalties arising from its incorrect disposal.
In addition, the regulations require that any renovation or demolition work that brings workers into contact with asbestos must follow a work plan approved by the competent authority. This plan must include protective measures for workers and the community at large.
Impact of asbestos on health
Exposure to asbestos is linked to a number of serious diseases. Among the most common are:
- asbestosis: a chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and breathing difficulties.
- Lung cancerAsbestos is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: a type of cancer almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and other areas of the body.
The severity of asbestos-related diseases often depends on the duration and concentration of exposure. For those who have been exposed for a long time, even small amounts of fibres can pose a significant risk.
Recommendations for managing asbestos
If you suspect there may be asbestos in your home or workplace, it is best to follow these steps:
- Do not handle the material without protectionSimply drilling into or breaking materials containing asbestos can release fibers into the air.
- Hire a specialized companyOnly certified professionals can handle asbestos safely.
- Check local legislation. Make sure you comply with all regulations and that workers are properly trained.
Asbestos has been a widely used material for its qualities, but its danger is undeniable. Fortunately, today there are safe and effective solutions to remove asbestos or seal it properly, keeping your home or workplace safe.