Introduction
Although it is not visible, asbestos is still present in many old buildings and houses. Asbestos is a deadly toxin and people should be knowledgeable about it. It is also very important to take precautions against it to avoid any possible harm that it may cause. There are many things that you have to know or understand about asbestos. Here are some of them
Many products still contain asbestos legally
Although asbestos is toxic, many building products still contain asbestos. Construction material is made of asbestos because asbestos is heat resistant. Asbestos is normally used in the thermal insulator and acoustic insulator. It is also commonly used in fireproofing and building material. Asbestos is also sprayed in crawlspaces, in structural steel beams, and also walls. Today, many products still contain asbestos. A good example of such products include chalkboards, electric wiring insulation, vinyl sheet flooring, fire blankets, and thermal paper products. It is only through asbestos testing that you can tell if there is presence of asbestos in building materials
Asbestos can only be hazardous when it is disturbed
You can live in an area with asbestos or live in a building with asbestos without getting harmed. Asbestos only becomes hazardous when it is disturbed. If asbestos-containing material can easily be pulverized or crumbles with hand, the material becomes friable. Friable asbestos is very dangerous because it becomes airborne. It can easily enter your lungs after breathing in and this can cause lung disease. Friable substances include the fluffy, fibrous, prayed on material that is normally used as insulation. The material used as fireproof and soundproof also contains asbestos. Asbestos can only become dangerous when it is freed to the environment. If you are planning to renovate your home or you are planning to demolish an existing building, make sure that a licensed asbestos professional carry out the work according to safety specifications. You must avoid discarding asbestos on your own. You should consider hiring an asbestos survey London company for proper disposal of asbestos.
Symptoms related to asbestos can take years to be noticed
When you get exposed to asbestos, it is not that easy to notice at once. Symptoms related to asbestos may take a long to be noticed. It can be years or even decades. Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance. This substance may lead to one or more diseases. If you inhale asbestos, you might be at risk of getting diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. The longer you get exposed to asbestos, the greater chances of developing asbestos-related conditions or diseases. Asbestosis is not cancerous but it is chronic. It is also a fatal respiratory disease. You may experience pain, difficulty in breathing, and heart problems among other problems.
Asbestos fiber remains in the human body once they are inhaled
Unlike other toxins, it is not easy to flash asbestos out. It is almost near impossible. This is because asbestos fibers are known to be microscopic. The asbestos fiber can easily slip through the lung’s filtration system and then penetrate outwardly through a membrane that covers the chest cavity and the lungs. The only way to avoid exposure is through conducting an asbestos survey and testing then removal.
