Asbestos is one of those substances, like arsenic or anthrax, that have a negative reputation but which many people do not know much about. Believe us when we say that you should avoid asbestos as much as possible, and our team can help you do so.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs in rock and soil. Its fibers are flexible and resistant to electricity, heat, and corrosion. These properties made it a valuable material for many product and building applications, that is until its carcinogenic properties were discovered.
There are a few different types of asbestos. They all have slightly different structures, making each initially ideal for different applications:
- Actinolite
- Amosite
- Anthophyllite
- Chrysotile
- Crocidolite
- Tremolite
In the past, asbestos was commonly mined throughout the United States. Most commercial asbestos deposits contain 5% to 6% asbestos, though some deposits are much more highly concentrated. The Coalinga deposit in California was discovered to contain more than 50% asbestos.
What Is Asbestos Used For?
Because of its capacity as a natural insulator, its heat resistance, and its fiber strength, asbestos was used in construction very consistently until the 1980s. It was a common ingredient in ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, and specific cement recipes. It was also used as a fire retardant and added to heat-resistant fabrics. Its strengthening abilities also caused it to be included in paper, plastic, and textiles. To produce greater friction, asbestos was commonly used in construction for automotive brakes, clutches, and transmission parts. Even packaging wasn’t safe.
The discovery of asbestos’ carcinogenic properties has significantly kiboshed the use of it in United States industries. There is not a specific ban, but use of the material is highly regulated. Even so there are still organizations that lobby for its protection. Outside of the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, India and Mexico still make frequent use of asbestos.
Though current construction in the U.S. should avoid asbestos, the risk of exposure remains, especially to blue collar workers and their families. Those who have exposure to old buildings (including homes, schools, and military installations) may be at risk of asbestos exposure. Second hand exposure occurs to family members when the material is introduced on clothes, skin, or hair.
What Is Dangerous About Asbestos?
The chief reason to avoid asbestos is because the material is carcinogenic, meaning it can cause cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they become trapped in the body and are not broken down. This can cause inflammation and scarring and makes the risk of lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancer significantly increase. The risk is even greater in those who smoke. The most common cancer that results from asbestos exposure is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen or lungs.
Cancer isn’t the only reason to avoid asbestos. Exposure can also lead to other dangerous diseases and conditions:
- Asbestosis
- COPD
- Pleuritis
- Pleural effusions
- Pleural plaques
- Diffuse pleural thickening
What Are the First Signs of Asbestos Poisoning?
The negative effects of asbestos exposure not associated with mesothelioma are generally referred to as asbestosis. The lung condition is chronic and usually only develops after prolonged exposure to the toxic material. Because of the nature of the disease, the symptoms of asbestosis may take many years to present. Those who run the risk of asbestos exposure should be mindful of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- A persistent and eventually wheezing cough
- Difficulty breathing that initially only follows physical exertion but becomes a constant issue
- Extreme fatigue
In very advanced cases of asbestosis, the fingertips may become swollen and clubbed. Unfortunately, asbestosis does not have a cure once it has progressed. The damage incurred in the lungs is irreversible. The best way to avoid asbestosis is to avoid exposure to the carcinogen in the first place.
Avoid Asbestos with Liberty Restoration’s Professional Removal Services
To avoid the dangers of asbestos, the safest course may be to leave the material undisturbed or even encapsulate them with a sealant. Whether you plan to leave the asbestos or remove it, leave the work to the professionals. A team of certified asbestos abatement professionals will know the best way to move forward and have the tools necessary to do so.
At Liberty Restoration, we have everything we need to help you (and us) avoid asbestos exposure. We are equipped with the best respirators with HEPA filters to protect our lungs during removal, and we utilize pump sprayers to keep the work area wet to minimize airborne dust. We also handle the correct disposal of all asbestos products. Do not gamble with asbestos. Let our team take it off your hands.