Asbestos
Asbestos is naturally occurring and made up of small, microscopic fibres. When it is disturbed, the fibres can become airborne and be easily inhaled. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can become trapped in the lungs and potentially cause cancer.
Asbestos health risks
It is important to note that no asbestos is safe asbestos, all asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary and asbestosis, also known as fibrosis of the lungs. The World Health Organisation has stated that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos that can protect you from developing an asbestos-related disease.
Exposure to asbestos happens when you inhale asbestos fibres that are in the air. This is usually done in the working environment, the air in the area of asbestos sources, such as factories handling asbestos, or indoor air in houses and buildings containing friable (crumbly) asbestos materials.
Asbestos use
Throughout the 1800s asbestos was a very popular material. Asbestos was used for construction, manufacturing and chemical refining. The most common commercial asbestos-containing products are listed below:
- Automotive parts such as brake pads, clutches, hood liners, gaskets and valves
- Tiles such as flooring, ceiling and roofing tiles, along with the adhesives used
- Cement often contained asbestos due to the fibres providing strength without adding too much weight, as well as being insulating and fire-resistant
- Textiles such as cloth and garments often contained asbestos because of its heat resistance and corrosive elements. Items include blankets, firefighter suits and rope
- Insulation
- Duct connectors
- Electrical components
The most common domestic asbestos-containing products:
- Fake snow
- Talcum powder
- Appliances
- Cigarette filters
- Potholders
- Ashtray coasters
- Wicking for gas ranges
- Hair dryers
- Makeup
How does asbestos make you sick?
Asbestos fibres irritate and scar lung tissue which causes the lungs to become stiff. When the lung becomes stiff, it also becomes difficult to breathe. This is called asbestosis, and as it progresses, more lung tissue will become scared and eventually the lung tissue will become so stuff that it is impossible to breathe without assistance.
Smoking is known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer following exposure to asbestos. If you have an asbestos-related disease this can likely be detected by an x-ray through the doctor.
Tips for safely handling asbestos in your home
First, you will need to know whether your property has asbestos or not, and this can only be done by sampling and surveying. Once confirmed that your home does indeed contain asbestos, then the next question is whether it is exposed or not.
The Ministry of Health states that there are three possible options:
- leaving it as it is, disturbing it as little as possible
- sealing, encapsulating or enclosing it
- removing it.
Whether you are choosing to keep your asbestos or remove your asbestos, the best place to start for advice is one of our Inspectors. A Betta Asbestos Consultancy Inspector should be able to help you with any asbestos-related questions.