The Hidden Risks Of Asbestos

Since its discovery in the 19th century, the use of asbestos has revolutionised a number of industries. The properties of this mineral have made it an incredibly popular material with manufacturers and users alike. Its remarkable properties allow it to be used as an insulation and fire protection in a multitude of different industrial settings. The dangers associated with asbestos exposure have been well known for many years. Even so, this has not stopped manufacturers from producing, storing, and using this dangerous material in ever increasing quantities. 

While there are strict regulations governing the manufacture, storage, and use of asbestos-containing materials in most countries worldwide, these controls are often ineffective or inadequate at preventing exposure to workers and the public. Asbestos is commonly found in houses through building materials like roofing tiles or flooring, pipes, wallboard and insulation products. It can also be found as a natural mineral or as a man-made product.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once heralded for its safe, fireproof and insulating properties. However, as more and more people have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, the dangers of this mineral are becoming more widely known. While asbestos exposure can occur in many different ways, one of the most common risks comes from living in an older home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos in some form or another. Here are some hidden risks of asbestos that you may not be aware of, how you can avoid them and how asbestos inspection can help you not to worry about it..

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its heat and sound-proofing properties. It is formed from the fibrous remains of ancient plants that have decayed over time. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause lung diseases like asbestosis or cancer. The risks associated with asbestos exposure are not minimal and vary depending on the type of asbestos you are exposed to and how much exposure you have had. The most dangerous form of asbestos, chrysotile, has been linked to more than 90 percent of cases of lung cancer in industrial countries, as well as mesothelioma in workers who have been exposed to it.

Asbestos is both a problem and a danger because it is so versatile. It can be used in so many different industries, which means any number of people with access may be exposed to this mineral. Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other serious health problems. While there are strict regulations surrounding the manufacture, storage, and use of asbestos-containing materials in most countries worldwide, these controls are often ineffective or inadequate at preventing exposure to workers and the public.

The Risks Go Beyond Your Health To Your Property

The dangers associated with asbestos exposure go beyond the health of those exposed. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause severe lung disease and cancers that are life-threatening, as well as various other adverse health effects. Additionally, asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems for family members and friends who breathe in these fibres. A major risk of asbestos exposure is that it poses a significant threat to the property of those exposed. Exposure to these fibres can cause significant deterioration in building materials over time, which is costly and disruptive for homeowners and businesses alike.

While asbestos is one of the most well-known health hazards associated with construction materials, it's not the only danger. Another potential risk you need to be aware of is lead. Sometimes paint and other products can contain harmful amounts of lead. This includes even some inorganic paints used for interior walls and ceilings. Lead dust can also create a problem as it settles on floors and other surfaces in your home or workplace. Another danger that you should be aware of is radon gas, which produces cancer-causing radioactive particles. 

Even if you don't live close to a uranium mine, there are many homes where radon levels are too high for safety. You should also be aware that water that has been contaminated by copper, iron or manganese from corroding pipes or roofing materials can pose a health hazard by making the drinking water unsafe to drink over time. Lastly, if you have pets, you should be aware that they may eat hazardous substances like rat poison or human pharmaceuticals left on the floor around your home.

What An Asbestos Inspection Can Do For You

Some of the symptoms of asbestos exposure include skin irritation, scarring, and ulcers that can take a long time to heal. Hearing loss is also a possible symptom of asbestos exposure. If you are exposed to high levels of asbestos as a result of your work duties or living conditions, you may develop asbestosis which is an irreversible lung disease. Asbestosis causes progressive difficulty breathing which can lead to death from complications such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, or pericarditis.

Asbestos is so dangerous that there have been numerous studies conducted on its health effects in relation to those who have been exposed to it over their lifetime. When one considers that nearly one-third of the world’s population has been exposed to some level of this mineral during their lifetime, the significant number of lives lost due to exposure should not be ignored.

An asbestos inspection is the best way to determine whether or not you have been exposed to asbestos. If your home has been built with materials made of asbestos, you should consider having an asbestos inspection done. This includes houses with a history of leaks and houses that are more than 50 years old. If your house was built before 1980, it is likely that there are no records as to whether or not the material used was asbestos. Furthermore, if the house has been recently renovated and re-shelled, it may have been done using materials containing asbestos without prior knowledge of this fact. In most cases, if you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, an inspection will be able to determine if it does. This can also help prevent further exposure in the future by seeing what work needs to be done in order for people in your home (including yourself) to be safe from asbestos exposure.

Staying Safe After An Asbestos Inspection

If you think that your home may have asbestos, the first thing to do is hire an asbestos inspector. The inspector will be able to advise you on the risks of exposure and recommend appropriate precautionary measures. If you're building a new home, it's important to know that manufacturers are required by law to disclose whether any materials contain asbestos. If they don't disclose this information, it's because they can't, which means there is a risk of exposure. Some other precautions include: 

- Check your ceiling cracks for insulation material or loose tiles before and during construction 

- Never use an infrared camera on broken or damaged walls or ceilings 

- Use ear protection when working near loose materials like tiles or fibreglass insulation 

- Take breaks often and change work areas often If you suspect that your home has been contaminated with asbestos, work only in well ventilated areas.

Who To Call If You Suspect Asbestos In Your Home

We hope this article has shone a light on the potential risks of asbestos in your home and workplace. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your environment, please do not hesitate to contact a professional for an inspection. Vital Building Inspection is here to help – they are experts in asbestos removal and can ensure that your property is safe from this harmful material.