Identifying Asbestos

Identifying asbestos dangers in your home and work environments may be a good first step toward protecting yourself and your family from exposure.

If you suspect asbestos in your home, you may wish to hire a professional who is trained in identifying asbestos to take samples. People who work with asbestos on a regular basis can usually visually determine whether materials contain asbestos. However, positively identifying asbestos takes a special type of microscope. An average human hair is 1,200 times thicker than an asbestos fiber, so it cannot be seen without being magnified. Professionals familiar with identifying asbestos also know how to take samples without releasing these dangerous fibers into the air.

Identifying asbestos-containing products and materials in your home may help you determine how cautious you should be when working on your home. For instance, knowing whether your insulation contains asbestos can help you figure out whether you need to hire a professional to help with home repairs.

Identifying asbestos-related work environments and occupations can help you determine your risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you worked with asbestos for a long period of time, you may be at higher risk for developing mesothelioma. Identifying asbestos dangers in your job can also help you figure out what safety measures you should be taking to protect yourself and your family members from exposure.