Asbestos measurement for suspected asbestos fibers
If there is a suspected risk from asbestos fibers, fibre measurements must be carried out. Such fibre measurements for asbestos fibres can be carried out using our SG12 measuring devices for asbestos measurement.
These fibre measurements for asbestos fibers are carried out in accordance with the VDI 3492 guideline. The asbestos fiber sample required for this can be taken on site by our measurement technicians. We would be happy to advise you on this procedure.
If you take the sample yourself, there are a few important points to note. First of all, always wear personal protection, i.e. protective clothing and a breathing mask (FFP2).
These fibre measurements for asbestos fibers are carried out in accordance with the VDI 3492 guideline. The asbestos fiber sample required for this can be taken on site by our measurement technicians. We would be happy to advise you on this procedure.
If you take the sample yourself, there are a few important points to note. First of all, always wear personal protection, i.e. protective clothing and a breathing mask (FFP2).
Fibre measurements for asbestos fibers
The fibre measurements of asbestos fibres (solid sample) briefly summarized:
- Self-protection!
- Moisten affected areas with water (dust reduction)
- Cut out a 2-4 cm sample with a sharp knife
- Moisten the area again
- then seal (adhesive, filler, etc.)
- Pack the sample dust-tight in a plastic bag
- Pack this bag in another airtight bag and label it precisely
- Clean all materials and hands thoroughly
- send a packaged sample to the GSA Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik for analysis of asbestos
Why is fiber measurements of asbestos fibers useful? Why is asbestos so dangerous?
Term asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material with a fiber diameter of between 0.1 and 2 µm.
The chemical properties of asbestos fibers were used for a long time. Due to its thermal and chemical resistance, asbestos was also widely used in house construction. However, when the health risks were recognized, its use was banned in Germany in 1993. Although the ban meant that no new asbestos fibers were used, they can still be found as “contaminated sites” in many buildings and should be removed.
Why is asbestos hazardous to health?
The danger posed by asbestos lies in its fibrous structure. These fibers can enter the respiratory tract, where they cause irritation and inflammation. Such injuries to the lung tissue lead to a (permanent) scarring and impairment of respiratory function. The term asbestosis refers to the so-called “asbestos lung”, which is recognized as an occupational disease and is caused by regular exposure to asbestos fibres. Typical symptoms are coughing, chest pain, fatigue and the like. An X-ray of the lungs is useful for a more precise diagnosis.
Where is asbestos found?
Due to its heat resistance and good thermal insulation properties, asbestos-containing materials were used in many different ways. For example, it was also used as tile adhesive, insulating material or asbestos cement .
Vinyl asbestos tiles are also frequently used as flooring. As long as these are intact, the risk is low. However, if damage occurs, the asbestos fibres are released and enter the ambient air.
An indication of the presence of Asbestos is the year a house was built.
Typically, material containing asbestos was often used between 1960 and 1980. If refurbishment or renovation work is now to be carried out, this problem is quickly encountered.
Remediation for asbestos exposure
There are various ways to minimize the risk from asbestos fibres, with complete removal being the most complex and expensive. For this reason, many people try to seal or caulk the affected areas to prevent fibers from escaping. But does this method make sense?
Undamaged asbestos boards do not pose an extreme health risk, but the fibers are so tiny that a minimal crack can lead to release. For a long time, sealing the affected soils was a common method. This involved covering the entire asbestos-containing floor covering or the asbestos-containing adhesive residue with an additional layer. This was intended to prevent asbestos from escaping.
Is the sealing of asbestos in buildings sufficient?
Sealing the asbestos does not solve the problem, it merely postpones it. On the one hand, the sealant may become damaged over time, which could release asbestos again. Asbestos sealing is prohibited by the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. In the case of sealing, the potential risk from asbestos remains.
The danger of asbestos could also be forgotten (due to a change of ownership or similar), so that asbestos is unknowingly released during later renovation work.
Removal should always be carried out by a qualified specialist company. This can ensure the protection of employees and reduce the risk. As asbestos-containing material must be disposed of as hazardous waste under special conditions, it is not advisable to carry out the work yourself (by amateurs).
Sources:
[1]: https://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/onko-internetportal/basis-informationen-krebs/krebsarten/lungenkrebs/asbestose-und-mesotheliom.html
[2]: https://www.haufe.de/immobilien/wohnungswirtschaft/qualitaet-bau-planung-ausfuehrung-abnahme-schadstoff/ueberzogene-anforderungen-bei-entfernung-von-asbestprodukten_260_212556.html
[3]: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=23&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiw1aPT1MfmAhWLy6QKHUAeCdc4FBAWMAJ6BAgDEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbroschueren.nordrheinwestfalendirekt.de%2Fdownload%2Fder%2Ffile%2F190204-mags-merkblatt-asbest-im-haus-barrierefrei-pdf%2Ffrom%2Fasbest-im-haus%2Ffrom%2Fmags%2F3019&usg=AOvVaw1jA9FG_x1LCYGQFspmaGRn
[4]: https://www.crb-gmbh.com/en/newspost/asbestos-containing-adhesives-covering-court-judgment?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsb3-iNTH5gIVVOd3Ch2bkwGLEAAYAiAAEgK2xvD_BwE
[5]: https://blog.rathscheck.de/asbestplatten-versiegeln-wann-eine-versiegelung-sinnvoll-ist-und-wie-sie-ablaeuft