Asbestos has been a risky problem for every one of us. We all know about the law that was passed to avoid the usage of asbestos in any building construction in the year 1999. The main reason is the dangerous side effects of inhaling it.
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Even now around 5000 workers die every year due to them being exposed to asbestos. So, here is everything that you need to know about asbestos and the risk of using it.
What is asbestos?
It is naturally occurring material made of fibers. It is mainly used in the construction and manufacturing business for many reasons.
They are flexible and resistant to fire, heat, chemicals, and electricity. That is the reason they are used in building homes and automotive parts.
But the sad part about this material is that it can break into tiny pieces if mishandled or disturbed, which cannot be seen by the naked eye but are easy to breathe in. This can result in lung problems and many other health-related conditions.
These diseases will not cause any problems for you immediately. It works slowly and steadily to spoil your inner health and before you can diagnose it, it is often too late to do anything. That is why you need to prevent yourself from getting exposed to it.
If you suspect to have asbestos used in your house or in your garage, you can call in for an expert professional for its removal.
Advance Asbestos Removal is a specialized professional who is into the business of asbestos removal, loft clearance, garden clearances, light demolition, etc. for the past 30 years.
What are the things that contain asbestos?
Mostly buildings or houses that were built before 2000, would have had asbestos in their building material.
This includes-
- Insulation in the walls and attic
- Vinyl floors
- Ceiling tiles
- Roofs
- Cement sheet
- Materials used for walls to make them soundproof or to decorate them and many more.
What are the symptoms of asbestos exposure?
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Though it will take years to notice these symptoms, here are some for your reference:
- Feeling like you can’t breathe in enough air
- Continuous cough that will get worse
- Wheezing or hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling in the neck or face
- Chest tightness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Anaemia
Check with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
What are the health problems caused?
Asbestos can cause many fatal and serious health diseases:
- Mesothelioma
This is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lung i.e. pleura and the lining of the digestive tract (peritoneum).
- Lung cancer
This is similar to the lung cancer due to smoking tobacco or and other substances
- Asbestosis
This is a serious lung condition that can be caused after heavy asbestos exposure. The symptoms would be shortness of breath, coughing, and in many cases can lead to lung cancer.
- Pleural thinking
This is a condition that is caused by heavy exposure to asbestos. Here the lining of the lung can thicken and swell. In many cases, the lung would be squeezed resulting in shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
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Asbestos-related illnesses cannot be cured. Thus, it is beneficial to avoid getting exposed to it.