Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries for its heat resistance and durability. However, exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Even though asbestos is naturally present in the environment, the most common cause of asbestos exposure is human tampering or industrial use of this mineral. Nevertheless, accidents happen to everyone; it is essential to be informed of asbestos sources and possible side effects.
In this article, we will discuss the health risks of asbestos exposure, as well as provide tips to prevent them.
What Is Asbestos Exposure?
When asbestos-containing materials, including contaminated products, automotive parts, and construction materials, are disturbed or damaged, microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air.
Our body is capable of disposing of a certain amount of this toxic substance; however, if the asbestos particles are embodied within the lung tissues, they will cause further damage. Once inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers may accumulate in your lungs or other organs, leading to inflammation or scarring of the tissue.
Asbestos generates free radicals in the body, resulting in DNA and cellular damage. DNA mutation is the foundation of cancer emergence.
Since the latency period for asbestos exposure diseases might last decades, it is crucial to take every precaution to prevent them.
Asbestos Exposure Health Problems
Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos-containing materials develops health problems. Reportedly, asbestos-induced health problems have arisen after a long and heavy period of exposure time. However, no level of this carcinogen is considered as safe. Asbestos is a hazardous substance and must be avoided at all costs.
In the following, you can see the most asbestos-related health issues:
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure is a defined cause of lung cancer, constituting 4% of lung cancer cases. The risk of developing lung cancer correlates with the exposure duration, indicating that those who have been exposed to asbestos longer are more prone to pulmonary issues.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Asbestos exposure is the exclusive cause of mesothelioma, which demonstrates the danger of this substance.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic pulmonary disease resulting in the scarring of the lung tissues. The symptoms of asbestosis are generally difficulty in breathing and decreased lung function.
These three are the most reported asbestos-related health problems. However, asbestos is a chemically dangerous substance that might cause other diseases as well, including ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, pleural effusion, atelectasis, etc.
The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases are breathing difficulty and chest pain, in addition to the specific cancerous symptoms.
Where Are The Possible Occurring of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure is usually more common at some work sites and among workers. However, there are also some other unfortunate yet available sources of asbestos you need to know to protect yourself and your family from any harm.
Some of these possibilities seem unlikely regarding your safe everyday life. Still, as explained, asbestos exposure -even at low doses- is hazardous, latently known, and may cause irreversible damage to the body.
Possible asbestos sources at home
Around 1980, researchers began to notice a correlation between asbestos use and lung diseases, especially mesothelioma. Imminent health issues were the premise of the asbestos ban in Canada and other countries.
Between 1930 and 1990, asbestos was mainly used by construction industries. Even though the buildings have been renovated since then, they might still have some remaining asbestos toxins due to improper removal.
Roof materials, insulation substances (especially vermiculite insulations), drywalls, tiles and flooring, exterior design materials, paint, etc., are all possible sources of asbestos if the renovation and removal weren’t done correctly.
We highly recommend you contact an expert for the removal of insulations or other suspicious asbestos-containing items. Do not attempt to remove any hazardous object by yourself.
High-Risk Jobs and Work Environments
The primary cause of asbestos-related diseases is a contaminated workplace. Public Services and Procurement Canada officially banned using asbestos-containing materials in all construction and major renovations in 2016.
Since 2018, there has been no use of asbestos materials or active asbestos mining sites in Canada. However, asbestos exposure in the earlier years might still put some workers at risk of developing health problems.
High-risk individuals from various industries from then to present:
- Asbestos miners
- Automotive repair shops
- Chemical or power plants
- Oil plants
- Chloralkali Plants
- Cosmetic industry workers
- Other asbestos-containing industries
Workers from these industries must be informed of the dangers of asbestos exposure and take medical precautions as soon as possible.
Asbestos Products
Asbestos is well-known for its flexibility and strength. Once discovered, this toxic mineral was highly valued by many organizations due to asbestos’ practical features.
Many industries used asbestos-containing materials for their products. If your house was built before the ban on asbestos use, toxic fibers may still be present in your insulation, drywall, cement, paint, etc.
Automotive and transportation materials are still a primary source of asbestos since this carcinogen is highly advantageous for this industry. However, this field’s workers and others are at a dangerous risk of poisoning.
Another unfortunate issue is the use of asbestos-contaminated talc in the cosmetics industry.
Environmental and Secondary Exposures
Asbestos inhalation and digestion are common for individuals near the contaminated sites.
Mining, asbestos deposit disturbance, and natural events like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc., can release asbestos fibers into the air and water, putting those near these environments at risk. This fact highlights the importance of asbestos deposit security and awareness of not tampering with any contaminated object.
Asbestos-exposure diseases also occur in people who have never been directly in touch with the materials! This secondary or indirect exposure happens when an asbestos-exposed individual (a construction worker, miner, etc.) unknowingly brings toxic materials to others via their work clothes, hair, or skin.
How To Prevent Asbestos Exposure Health Problems
Fortunately, asbestos-exposure diseases are completely preventable. This fact indicates that by ceasing the use of asbestos entirely, we aim to eliminate its specific diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
We have prepared some tips and methods for you to take every precaution to avoid asbestos health issues.
Identify and Manage Asbestos-Containing Materials
If your home or office was built before the ban on asbestos and you suspect a contaminated environment, you must have it examined by a professional. If asbestos is present, it should be handled delicately. Contact a licensed abatement contractor to manage and remove the asbestos from your surroundings.
Use Proper Safety Equipment
If you work near asbestos-containing environments or materials, you must use proper protective equipment and follow the safety guidelines. The law requires all employers to provide their staff with approved respirators and work clothes. Organizations are legally obligated to protect their workers and their families from any asbestos-related mishap or health problem.
Suppose your employer is not doing an adequate job at asbestos management. In that case, it is vital for everyone’s health that you file an anonymous report for information on occupational health and safety.
Avoid Asbestos Disturbance
You must never attempt to disturb the asbestos-containing materials. Whether drilling, cutting into a suspicious wall, or damaging an asbestos deposit, you could end up releasing asbestos fibers into the air and put yourself and others at risk.
Ventilation
You must ensure adequate ventilation and airflow in areas you suspect asbestos-containing presence. Ventilation lowers the risk of inhalation of asbestos fibers by minimizing their concentration in the air.
Regular Monitoring
Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, whether directly or indirectly, should have medical examinations regularly to prevent any unfortunate problem. Early diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases can enhance treatment outcomes.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the intensity and likelihood of asbestos-induced lung cancer. Even though smoking isn’t a risk factor in asbestosis, it does have a synergistic impact on the asbestos side effects.
Final Remarks
Preventing asbestos-related health problems requires awareness, adequate management of the contaminated materials, and adherence to the safety guidelines. You must reduce the risk of diseases caused by asbestos exposure by taking proactive precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Prevention and early detection of asbestos exposure effects are vital to safeguard your health. Stay informed, stay safe.
