In general, asbestos is not thought to be harmful. However, when the material is disturbed or damaged, it becomes hazardous. Asbestos fibres enter the body most commonly by inhaling or ingesting the material.
Once ingested or inhaled, these dust or fibres will become lodged in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. However, when swallowed, some will enter the lungs or digestive tract. Apart from that, when fibres become trapped in the body, they can lead to health issues.
So, if you come across any asbestos-containing material on your property, contact a certified asbestos removalist immediately. Paul’s Rubbish Removal specialises in asbestos removal. This type of job requires special training, proper tools and skills to safely remove any asbestos fibres.
Here are the top five reasons why asbestos is dangerous and why you should consider hiring a professional to safely remove it from your property if required.
1. Suppresses immune system function
Our immune system plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy. Aside from that, it aids in the prevention of tumour development. However, long-term asbestos exposure causes immune system suppression in all individuals exposed to the material.
So, if you are exposed to the material, particularly the asbestos fibres, you may develop health problems such as mesothelioma.
2. Human carcinogen
Asbestos is classified as a human carcinogen, and prolonged exposure to the material can lead to mesothelioma. This is a type of cancer that develops in the lining covering the chest and abdomen. Furthermore, although rare, when exposed to asbestos, it may also affect the lungs, larynx and ovary (in women).
Although mesotheliomas are uncommon in the general population, they are common in asbestos workers. In addition to occupational exposure, mesothelioma is also found in the family members of asbestos workers.
3. Lung cancer risk
The average time between the development of cancer is 20 to 30 years. Even though long-term asbestos exposure is generally linked to the development of lung cancer, the risk remains high.
Anyone exposed to the material for 1 to 12 months had a higher risk of developing lung cancer later in life. And lung cancer is the leading cause of death in anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.
4. Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous respiratory disease caused by long-term asbestos exposure. This type of health problem can cause serious scarring to the lung. As a result, this disease reduces the elasticity of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Therefore, anyone suffering from this condition may experience shortness of breath. Aside from shortness of breath, a person with asbestosis will make a dry crackling sound or “rales” when inhaling. And to make matters worse, there is no available or effective treatment for asbestosis.
5. Heart disease
Inhaling asbestos fibres, whether short-term or long-term, can put your health at risk. Prolonged exposure to the material is a causal factor in the development of heart problems. Therefore, among the dangers of prolonged exposure to asbestos is heart disease and stroke.
Who is at risk of asbestos exposure?
Any individual exposed to asbestos is at risk. That’s because there’s no particular level or amount of asbestos exposure that is considered safe. However, the majority of the issues arise after years of repeated and prolonged exposure to the carcinogen.
But, this does not imply that you can simply use this information to remove asbestos from your property. Asbestos removal necessitates the use of specific skills, tools, equipment, and protective gear.
Long-term exposure to asbestos fibres causes inflammation and DNA damage in human tissue. Over time, this damage causes cellular changes which can lead to cancer and other diseases mentioned earlier.
Whom do you call if you need asbestos removed?
DIY asbestos removal is strictly prohibited, particularly in Sydney. Aside from the financial and legal implications, performing the removal yourself poses significant health risks. That’s why the job must be handled by a competent and licensed asbestos removalist with exceptional skills and training.
Once the material has been disturbed, it will remain in the air for hours, if not days, before the asbestos fibres settle. Therefore, if you lack the necessary skills, tools, and equipment, you will most likely inhale or ingest these dust materials.
Don’t put your health and other people’s life at risk. When there is asbestos in your property, one of the most effective solutions is to contact a reputable asbestos removalist.
