One of the most significant, and common, questions that professionals in the environmental health field get is “Why is asbestos dangerous?” Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once highly regarded as a miracle material in the construction industry, due to its high heat resistance and overall durability. However, the darker side of asbestos didn’t become clear until decades later.
The Dark Side of Asbestos
So, is asbestos dangerous? Absolutely and verifiably, yes. Over the past several decades, there has been extensive research that has shown conclusively that asbestos exposure can cause severe health issues. Asbestos fibers, when disturbed and airborne, can be easily inhaled or ingested, unnoticed. Once these fibers are inside the body, they begin to cause significant damage to the body’s internal systems. Asbestos is especially insidious as well, with most asbestos-related health problems not becoming visible for decades, in many cases.
Asbestos-Related Health Problems
As we mentioned, many asbestos-related diseases take years, even decades to develop after exposure. Such diseases include mesothelioma, which is a rare and highly aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity. Asbestosis, a chronic inflammatory lung disease, is another health problem caused by asbestos exposure. Additionally, asbestos can lead to several other types of lung cancer and pleural disorders. These risks all underscore the answer to the question of why asbestos is dangerous.
Asbestos In Homes and Buildings
In the mid-20th century, asbestos was commonly used in many homes and commercial buildings. It was typically used for insulation and as a fireproofing material, but the insulative and fireproof qualities of asbestos were incorporated into countless different products, from ceiling tiles to wall or pipe insulation, to floor tiles, and more. This widespread usage means that many older buildings will contain asbestos, and if these materials are disturbed during renovations or demolitions, the asbestos fibers can become airborne, and pose a risk for inhalation or ingestion to those nearby.
Professional Asbestos Management
Handling asbestos should always be delegated to an experienced professional, due to its intensely dangerous nature. Professional asbestos abatement companies, like the team at Sensitive Environmental, have not only the knowledge and skills but also the costly professional equipment needed to safely manage asbestos-related issues. They can identify asbestos-containing materials, prevent fiber release, and more.
Importance of Asbestos Inspection
Before the remodeling, renovation, or demolition work is scheduled in an older building, built in the 1970s or earlier, getting a professional asbestos inspection is critical. Our crews are trained and experienced to not only collect but also analyze the samples to determine if there is asbestos present. If asbestos is found, professional abatement experts can be called in to handle the situation, by either fixing it in place or by removing the asbestos materials.
Partner With Sensitive Environmental For Asbestos Testing & Abatement
As we’ve discussed, the question of why asbestos is dangerous isn’t simply about its long list of potential health risks. It also pertains to its prevalence in older buildings, as well as the risk of exposure during renovation or demolition projects. If you’re still wondering about asbestos dangers, the answer couldn’t be more clear, asbestos is a significant threat to our health and safety. That’s why it’s essential to understand the dangers and know how to handle the situation properly. Don’t take unnecessary risks when it comes to asbestos.
A sensitive environment is ready to provide that level of expert assistance. We have the knowledge to safely test for and completely handle your asbestos issues safely, so reach out today to get some help with your home or business’s health and to ensure that your environment is free from the dangers that undiagnosed asbestos
