Health Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that’s often found mixed in with various construction materials. These minerals are not toxic when in small enough amounts, but when exposed to fire and heat, asbestos could become airborne and hazardous. Asbestos is most commonly found in insulation, which is why most buildings that were built before 1978 were insulated with asbestos-containing products. If you’re not sure if your property contains asbestos, then you can hire an asbestos inspection service provider. Asbestos can cause serious diseases and health problems, so it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible!
To understand the diseases asbestos can cause, and which ones are the most dangerous, read the following list.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a type of non-cancerous respiratory disease that can develop into more serious diseases such as cancer. It’s caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers that get forced into the respiratory tract. It can cause breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asbestosis can also reduce your quality of life, cause permanent breathing problems, and slow down your lungs, leading to early death.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. It can be detected by a chest X-ray, CT scan, or a bronchoscopy, which is a minor surgical procedure that involves using a long, thin camera that light and views the lungs. It’s important to note that even if you have not been diagnosed with the disease, you can still get lung cancer.
Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening is uncommon and its symptoms can be confused with other conditions. It is characterized by the presence of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. However, it is not as serious as lung cancer or asbestosis. It’s detected by a chest X-ray and a CT scan.
Boston Environmental and Contracting Inc. is here to help you with your asbestos issues at home, we are a local asbestos inspection service and we offer reliable and affordable inspections for people in Washington, DC and the surrounding areas. We also offer inspections for insulation in the likes of root cellars, garages, attics, and basements, if you believe your home contains asbestos and wish to have it inspected by our expert team, feel free to call us at (202) 526-4045 anytime.