Asbestos is a group of minerals that were used in many different types of products until the 1970s. It was used for its heat and corrosion-resistant properties; however, its negative health impacts were not realized for many years. Although new homes and buildings do not use this product, many people still live and work in buildings that used asbestos. Although it is generally harmless if undisturbed, the effects can be deadly if asbestos is inhaled. These health impacts are why asbestos abatement is such an important procedure in older buildings.
Asbestosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers causes this condition. The fibers are trapped in the lungs, which causes the body to produce an acid in an attempt to dissolve the fibers. Not only is this acid unsuccessful at dissolving the fibers, but it scars the lung tissue. This scarring can become extremely dangerous if it is bad enough to prevent proper lung function. Most people don't even realize they were exposed to asbestos because asbestosis doesn't manifest for 25 to 40 years.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused solely by asbestos. It occurs on the outside tissue of the lungs, in the abdomen, or in the chest cavity. As with asbestosis, the cancer will occur many years after asbestos exposure. Sadly, although there are treatments for this cancer, it is a very aggressive cancer with no cure presently.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure can also make it more likely for the person to develop lung cancer 15 to 35 years after exposure. This risk is increased even more for a person who smokes. This type of cancer affects the cells that line the air passages inside the lungs.
Asbestos Removal
Exposure to asbestos cannot be reversed. That is why many people have testing done before beginning any self-renovation projects. In addition, many homeowners and businesses are choosing to have professional asbestos abatement done in their home or building to prevent accidental exposure. Asbestos can be easily inhaled, so doing the job yourself can be very dangerous. The area that will be having the procedure done is sealed off to prevent contaminating other areas. Then the area will be treated with a compound that will keep it bound during removal. This prevents accidental inhalation. The asbestos is then placed in sealed containers and disposed of properly. There are federal guidelines that must be followed to ensure the building occupants' safety as well as worker safety.
Asbestosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers causes this condition. The fibers are trapped in the lungs, which causes the body to produce an acid in an attempt to dissolve the fibers. Not only is this acid unsuccessful at dissolving the fibers, but it scars the lung tissue. This scarring can become extremely dangerous if it is bad enough to prevent proper lung function. Most people don't even realize they were exposed to asbestos because asbestosis doesn't manifest for 25 to 40 years.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused solely by asbestos. It occurs on the outside tissue of the lungs, in the abdomen, or in the chest cavity. As with asbestosis, the cancer will occur many years after asbestos exposure. Sadly, although there are treatments for this cancer, it is a very aggressive cancer with no cure presently.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure can also make it more likely for the person to develop lung cancer 15 to 35 years after exposure. This risk is increased even more for a person who smokes. This type of cancer affects the cells that line the air passages inside the lungs.
Asbestos Removal
Exposure to asbestos cannot be reversed. That is why many people have testing done before beginning any self-renovation projects. In addition, many homeowners and businesses are choosing to have professional asbestos abatement done in their home or building to prevent accidental exposure. Asbestos can be easily inhaled, so doing the job yourself can be very dangerous. The area that will be having the procedure done is sealed off to prevent contaminating other areas. Then the area will be treated with a compound that will keep it bound during removal. This prevents accidental inhalation. The asbestos is then placed in sealed containers and disposed of properly. There are federal guidelines that must be followed to ensure the building occupants' safety as well as worker safety.