Health Dangers of Being Exposed to Asbestos
Asbestos has been used in the construction field commercially since the 1800’s. Due to asbestos high resistance to chemical, fire, water, and electricity it has become an excellent insulation material, and common products that contain asbestos has been installed in homes, schools, and other structures way back 1980’s. Brisbane citizens and residents who have properties built during this time may have asbestos in their structures that need to be removed. While it has many functions, asbestos removal Brisbane is also essential to be done for it may pose a future health risk to your family and the entire community.
Since asbestos is very durable, it is still used in various building materials such as cement, roof shingles, and floor tiles which are commonly found in homes. Once this material containing asbestos has been ruptured it will release dust particles and fibres into the air and inhaling or ingesting asbestos can lead to serious health complications. Thus, asbestos removal needs to be executed abruptly and be done by a professional. However, asbestos-containing material that is still intact and hasn’t been disturbed will remain safe for the time being.
People who usually work in the construction site are most vulnerable to getting exposed to asbestos fibres and contractors who do not follow the regulations and safety are most endanger on producing asbestos-related diseases. Homeowners who decide to build their own homes must hire a professional to do the asbestos removal to avoid future health issues that are related to asbestos. If asbestos removal is not done correctly by an asbestos abatement company, the higher the risk of endangering your life, family, and people who come in contact with asbestos fibres, dust, and raw asbestos material.
Due to asbestos’s high resistance, once it gets inside your body it won’t liquefy and will remain on your lungs or tissues that can cause health issues in the future. That is why it is very important to do asbestos removal in our homes and the communities we live, and let the professionals handle it because the risk is not worth it. The most common asbestos-related diseases are Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, and Mesothelioma.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous respiratory disease, long-term inflammation, and scarring of the lungs due to exposure and inhaling of asbestos microscopic fibres that stay within the lung tissues. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, chest pain, and in advanced stages, the illness may lead to cardiac failure. There is no cure for asbestosis and treatment can only relieve the symptoms. Those who work in construction sites, railroad, automotive, shipbuilding industries, drywall removers, firefighters and demolition workers are most likely at risk for asbestosis.
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer related to asbestos develops from 15 to 35 years from the initial exposure and start of symptoms. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are almost the same with asbestoses such as coughing, change in breathing, shortness of breath, continuous chest pains, hoarseness, and anaemia. While being exposed to asbestos is hazardous, those who are frequent smokers and have been exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. Because of the long latency period, those who are diagnosed today with lung cancer were exposed to asbestos decades ago where asbestos is used widespread.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers various internal organs. The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and wall of the chest. Symptoms start appearing when tumours already spread grow and press against the chest wall and the abdominal cavity. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough, and fever, fluid around the lungs, muscle weakness, and respiratory complications.
Building Materials That Contains Asbestos
Asbestos is also known as the “miracle mineral” that has become of great worth to the building industry. Due to its high heat resistance asbestos has been widely used for insulation products. Knowing this material is an added knowledge for us to avoid damaging this asbestos-containing material and to pinpoint as well whether asbestos removal is necessary to be done.
Roof shingles and siding
Cement
Floor tiles
Ceiling tiles and coatings
Ductwork for heating and cooling systems
Vermiculite Insulation
Popcorn ceiling
Drywall and cement sheets
Plaster, putties, and caulking
Electrical switchboard panels
Plumbing fixtures
Pipe and duct coverings
Thermal broiler and fireplace insulations
Vinyl floor tiles
Homeowners are not legally required to hire a licenced asbestos abatement company, but it is highly recommended to let the professionals do the asbestos removal. As stated above, the health issue that comes with asbestos exposure is not worth the risk. However, if the homeowner decides to do works on their homes and hire a non-licenced asbestos contractor, the procedures and practises listed below should be implemented to reduce the release and exposure to asbestos fibres.
- Use water to contain asbestos fibres and reduce the release into the air. By using a low-pressure garden sprayer and misting the asbestos-containing material will lessen the exposure to the hazardous mineral.
- Do not rupture or damage the material containing asbestos, such as those listed above to avoid the increase in asbestos fibres and going airborne. Undisturbed asbestos materials won’t release asbestos fibres.
- Handle with care all materials containing asbestos. Do not throw or drop to the ground to avoid damaging it and release fibres into the air.
- Dispose properly of all materials containing asbestos and dispose of it in landfills that accept asbestos for they know how to handle it.
For successful asbestos removal, hiring a professional and licenced asbestos inspector is a must. Residents in Brisbane can take advantage of the services of companies specialising in asbestos removal. Being competent in the field that they are in, they can help homeowners determine the extent of the problem by taking samples of suspected asbestos and bring it to the laboratory for analysis. This is the first step for asbestos removal and taking this first step can only lessen and contain the spread of asbestos fibres into the air.
The cost of asbestos removal depends on the area that needs to be contained and the extent of the problem. There might be costs associated with asbestos removal, but it is essential to be done to protect ourselves and our family from asbestos-related illnesses. Let’s all remember that health is wealth and that money has no value if we are not physically healthy to enjoy it.