Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in various products, including insulation, roofing, and flooring materials, because of its strength, durability, and ability to resist heat and chemicals.
Asbestos Exposure and Reducing Exposure
There are several ways to reduce asbestos exposure:
- Avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials: Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when the material is damaged or disturbed.
- Use caution when remodeling: hire a professional to remove or encapsulate the materials.
- Use protective gear: including a respirator and protective clothing, to reduce exposure to asbestos fibers.
- Get your home or workplace tested: have the materials tested by a professional. A professional can recommend the best course of action to reduce your exposure if asbestos is found.
It is important to note that asbestos exposure can have serious health consequences, so it is important to reduce your exposure.
Health Effects of Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos fibers can have serious health consequences, including cancer and other respiratory diseases.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the respiratory system and cause inflammation and scarring. This can lead to several serious health problems, including:
- Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. It causes scarring in the lungs and can lead to difficulty breathing.
- Mesothelioma: This is rare cancer that affects the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in people who smoke.
- Other respiratory diseases: Asbestos exposure can also cause other respiratory problems, such as pleural plaques (thickened patches on the lung lining), pleural effusions (fluid buildup around the lungs), and diffuse pleural thickening (thickening of the lung lining).
It’s important to note that the risk of developing these health problems increases with the amount and duration of asbestos exposure.
However, it can take many years for these health problems to develop after initial exposure, so it’s essential to avoid asbestos exposure.
ATSDR Asbestos Work
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a federal public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR works to prevent exposure to hazardous substances from environmental sources and to reduce the harmful effects of such exposures.
One area of focus for ATSDR is asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction materials and other products. Asbestos can cause serious health problems, including cancer, when inhaled.
If you have questions about asbestos or concerns about potential exposure, you can contact ATSDR or Coast View Restoration for more information.
