Asbestos Fibres Can Harm Your Health
Effects of Asbestos on the Lungs
Asbestos fibres are dangerous and can cause a lot of harm to the health of those who come into contact with them. If you work in an industry that involves asbestos, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself from exposure. Today, we will discuss the dangers of asbestos fibres and where the material is found in properties.
Why do people talk about asbestos with such dread? One major reason is that asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer with no cure. According to the American Cancer Society, about 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Recent studies suggest that up to 800 people are diagnosed with this health issue in Australia.
Asbestos fibres are also linked to other types of lung cancer. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen. Studies have shown that inhaling asbestos fibres can increase your risk of lung cancer.
Asbestos is found in many different products and materials used in construction and other industries. It was once considered a “miracle mineral” because it doesn’t conduct electricity, is resistant to heat and chemicals, and doesn’t corrode. These properties made asbestos a popular ingredient in many products, including insulation, fireproofing materials, floor tiles, shingles, cement, and brakes. As a result, asbestos exposure is a serious occupational hazard for people who work in construction and other industries. However, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Potential side effects of asbestos include:
- Mesothelioma (a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart). This is by far the most serious health risk associated with asbestos exposure.
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis (a chronic lung disease that can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and other side effects).
The reason asbestos causes so many problems is that when the fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs. The body then tries to break them down, but this process can cause inflammation and damage to the lung tissue. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, which is why it’s so important to take steps to protect yourself if you think you may be at risk.
Where is Asbestos Found?
We mentioned a few examples earlier, but asbestos is found in many areas around the home. Firstly, it can be found in insulation materials, such as pipe and boiler insulation. It’s also common in floor tiles, cement sheets, textured paints, and shingles. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos in one form or another.
If you didn’t understand before, you’re now learning why removing asbestos is so important. When you contact a professional service, they will come in and remove the asbestos for you. This is important because when the fibres are airborne, they can be breathed in and cause serious health problems.
Asbestos Removal Is Important
If you think there’s a chance your home contains asbestos, it’s important to get it removed as soon as possible by a professional service. Not only will this protect your health, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe for you and your family. Don’t take risks with something as dangerous as asbestos – get it removed today.
When dealing with asbestos, time is of the essence – the longer you wait, the greater the risk to your health becomes!