Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested. The risk and severity of these illnesses depend on the type of asbestos you are exposed to, the length of exposure, and your age at the time of exposure. So if you’re considering buying an old home that might have been built with asbestos-containing materials, don’t panic! Just make sure you engage with asbestos removal Melbourne-wide and understand the risks, and take the necessary precautions. A few other things you should know about asbestos:
Cause of mesothelioma, or cancer of the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma or cancer of the lining of the lungs. It was also used in many products we still use today, including clothes, tile, cement, and paint. Asbestos can be inhaled when it is released into the air from crumbling materials that contain asbestos fibres. This may happen as a result of natural weathering or when fixtures like pipes or ducts are damaged or disturbed during construction or maintenance activities. Inhaling these airborne particles can lead to inflammation and scarring in your lungs – which increases your risk of developing mesothelioma later on.
Other types of cancers
Asbestos, like other toxic substances, can cause cancer. In fact, some of the most common types of cancers associated with asbestos exposure include: Lung cancer Stomach cancer Laryngeal cancer Ovarian cancer Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) is not a type of cancer, but it can be an early indicator of lung or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, and it is a progressive disease that can be fatal if left untreated.
High risk for developing these diseases later in life.
The asbestos ban has been in place for over 30 years, and you may be wondering if the homes you grew up in are safe for your children to live in. Studies have shown that children are at high risk for developing these diseases later in life. The probability of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer increases with age; however, research had also shown that children who were exposed to asbestos before they were 18 years old had an increased chance of developing mesothelioma later on (between ages 45 – 55). Children who grew up around asbestos-containing materials are also more likely to develop stomach cancer. It is not clear what exposure levels or duration result in higher cancer rates later on; however, one study found that boys exposed before 5 years old were 50% more likely to develop stomach cancer than those not exposed until after the age of 15.
Removal work, you should know about this information.
If you live with anyone who does asbestos removal work, you should know about this information. If you plan to do asbestos removal Melbourne-wide work, engage with a professional service expert.
Conclusion,
We hope this article has helped you understand the risks of living with asbestos. Also, remember that there are many ways to protect yourself and your family from exposure if you or someone else does work around asbestos material.
