Asbestos is a natural mineral previously widely used in construction materials for many years. It is made up of tiny, fibrous crystals resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was once considered an ideal material for insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building products.
However, asbestos is also highly toxic and dangerous to human health. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can quickly become airborne when disturbed. This can happen when asbestos-containing materials are cut, drilled, sawed, or aggravated during renovations, repairs, or demolitions. Once the fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lungs, digestive system, or other organs, causing tissue damage and leading to various health problems.
Suppose you suspect or believe that your home or workplace may contain asbestos. In that case, it is important to have it tested by a certified Ottawa asbestos testing and removal company to safely remove any asbestos-containing materials.
Exposure to asbestos fibers has been associated with severe health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure is a common cause of lung cancer. Asbestos fibers inhaled can become trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to cell genetic changes, leading to cancer development. Signs of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure include chest pain, coughing, breath shortness, and coughing up blood.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of the cancer, and it can take decades for the disease to develop after exposure. Signs of mesothelioma include chest pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, and there is currently no cure for the disease.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. It causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs, which can make it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asbestosis are chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and clubbing of the fingers. While asbestosis is not cancer, it can lead to respiratory failure and is a severe health concern for those exposed to asbestos.
Other Health Risks
Asbestos exposure can also elevate the risk of other health problems, such as lung infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pleural thickening. Pleural thickening is a condition that occurs when the lining of the lungs becomes scarred and thickened, making it difficult to breathe. It can cause respiratory problems like chest pain and shortness of breath.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a hazardous and toxic material linked to a range of serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause or increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory problems. You should take precautions when working with or around asbestos-containing materials to minimize the risk of exposure. Call a professional asbestos removal company if your house contains asbestos materials. By taking this step, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from asbestos exposure.