5 Things You Need to Know About Asbestos

Asbestos exists in many old houses and buildings, even though it cannot be seen with naked eye. Being a deadly hazardous substance, it is important know its existence in a building so that proper action could be taken to get rid of this toxin. This article contains five important facts you need to know about asbestos.

1. Many products contain asbestos (legally)

Asbestos is especially used for making heat-resistant products. Mainly, these products are used in the construction industry to make fire blankets, ceiling tiles, spackling, chalkboards, vinyl sheet flooring, electrical wiring insulation , roofing shingles, acoustical plaster, caulking, , adhesives, elevator equipment panels, and thermal paper. Mostly, Asbestos can be found in new structure. Because of its heat-resistant quality, it is used in fireproofing buildings, and also as an acoustic insulator and a thermal insulator. Structural steel beams and crawlspaces are sprayed with asbestos.

2. Hazardous under given conditions

 Asbestos is hazardous only when it is disturbed and the fibers become airborne. If an asbestos-containing product can be crumbled easily, or pulverized even with little effort, it is termed as “friable.” Pulverized or friable asbestos can rise above the ground level and can enter your lungs during breathing. This can lead to development of lungs disease. While friable substance is hazardous for health, it can be utilized for coating products to enhance their heat tolerance and resistance. Fibrous asbestros can be sprayed-on materials used in insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing. Floor tile or roofing felt is made of non-friable asbestros, and cannot be pulverized. It is only when they are operated, say drilled cut, filed, etc., that they give away contained asbestos.

In case of home renovation, make sure you hire professional services to carry out the work according to specifications and safety protocols. Discarding asbestos on your own can lead to serious health issues.

The professionals working on asbestos are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during operating.

3. Asbestos can exist without showing any signs of existence

It is quite possible that asbestos exists in a building without showing any signs of existence. It could take years for asbestos to become noticeable, and decades to notice symptoms related to asbestos exposure. A carcinogen in nature, asbestos may become reason for various diseases, if inhaled. Mainly it causes asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asbestos testing is important because the gravity of asbestos-related-disease depends on the duration of exposure. Unlike radon, asbestosis is noncancerous; however the diseases related to it are chronic in nature. ,a prolonged exposure leads to fatal respiratory disease because asbestos fibers cause scarring in the lungs.

Around 3000 Americans become victims of Mesothelioma every year. It is a rare form of cancer, which is very deadly in nature, causing a tumor around within and around lungs. Mesothelioma, specifically, stems from exposure of asbestos. This deadly disease may keep breeding within body for years without any obvious symptoms. You should to participate for Asbestos Training.

4. Once inhaled, Asbestos fibers remain in body

 Unlike many toxins, if asbestos are ingested or inhaled, they cannot be “flushed out.” Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can slip through lungs’ filtration system, and settle outwards through the lungs covering membrane. The fibers can also be ingested, and can reach stomach. If asbestos finds any way to a human body, nothing can remove this substance from the body because of their sharp, needle-like nature. Protection is the only way to deal with asbestos exposure. Wear appropriate respiratory protection when in contact with asbestos.

5. Asbestos is mined and exported in other countries

Despite its hazardous nature, asbestos enjoys status of a legal commodity in many countries such as Greece, Canada, Russia, Italy, China, and India. It is used legally in manufacturing of various products. Since asbestos is a low-cost substance, it is popular at construction sites in developing countries.

Acc env

Get in touch with our experienced and qualified team at Acc Env,  for Lead and Asbestos Inspection to prevent your buildings from toxic substances and keep yourself safe from health issues arising from these.

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Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
Articles: 15883

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