Asbestos refers to a group of minerals composed of tiny, microscopic fibers. In the past, it was extensively used in construction and for various domestic and commercial applications. Today, asbestos is considered one of the most hazardous substances a person can encounter, especially for those working in the construction industry.
A particularly alarming fact is that asbestos-related illnesses often take years to manifest, meaning individuals exposed in their younger years may only experience health issues later in life. While many believe the risks of asbestos are a thing of the past due to its long-standing ban, it still lingers in numerous buildings today. Here’s why asbestos poses such a danger.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Primarily used to prevent the spread of fires in buildings, asbestos can often be found in several common locations. Before inspecting these areas, it’s advisable to first determine the building’s construction date, as structures built after 2000 are highly unlikely to contain asbestos. It’s wise to check if a previous asbestos inspection has been conducted, and if so, whether any was found and where. Typical locations where asbestos may be present include:
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Suspended and synthetic ceilings (beneath the visible panels)
- Building cladding
- Around pipes
- Roofs
- On and around doors (especially communal ones)
What Makes Asbestos So Hazardous?
Asbestos, being a highly fibrous synthetic material, breaks down into millions or even billions of microscopic fibers when dispersed into the air. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled, which is where the primary risks and dangers arise.
Merely touching an area containing asbestos doesn’t necessarily pose a threat. However, disturbing the material causes it to release fibers into the air, allowing them to spread and be inhaled over a wide area. A common issue with asbestos is its susceptibility to disturbance. If not securely contained, even minor actions like slamming a door or bumping a wall or ceiling can release asbestos fibers, spreading them throughout a room.
What Health Issues Are Caused by Asbestos?
In some instances, individuals exposed to asbestos may experience no noticeable health issues or adverse effects. However, it is quite common for those with some level of asbestos exposure to develop health complications as a result of inhaling its microscopic fibers. Asbestos-related health conditions primarily impact the lungs, respiratory system, and pulmonary functions. These conditions often include, but are not limited to:
- Mesothelioma: A highly aggressive disease that damages the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen (known as the mesothelium) and is typically fatal. You can get in touch with a lawyer and get mesothelioma compensation if you’re suffering from this disease.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition that causes scarring of the lung tissues, making it difficult for the lungs to function correctly.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos inhalation has been linked to various types of lung cancer, which can have severe health consequences.
What Can Be Done to Protect Against Asbestos Exposure?
The best way to protect against asbestos exposure is by being proactive and informed. If you work in a construction-related industry or regularly deal with older buildings, make sure you are trained on proper asbestos handling procedures and always follow safety precautions. If you suspect there may be asbestos present in your workplace or living space, do not attempt to remove
- Asbestosis: A chronic inflammatory lung condition caused by asbestos fibers irritating and scarring lung tissue. Symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing, and it can progress to mesothelioma or lung cancer.
- Asbestos-related lung cancer: Often developing as a consequence of asbestosis, this cancer arises from the ongoing damage to the lung lining caused by asbestos fibers. This damage triggers excessive cell growth (hyperplasia), which can lead to tumors and cancer.
Endnote
Inhaling any amount of asbestos is unsafe, as all types of asbestos can lead to lung disease. For individuals employed in industries with daily asbestos exposure, the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related illness grows with the duration of their employment in such environments.
