Why should I care about asbestos exposure?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, asbestos is “a soft gray mineral that does not burn, that was used especially as a building material in the past, and that can cause serious diseases of the lungs when people breathe its dust.”
During the Industrial Era of the 1800s, use of asbestos became increasingly popular because it was a relatively inexpensive material and because it’s fireproof and a good insulator. It wasn’t until the 1960s that extensive scientific studies concluded that it was extremely harmful and caused serious diseases.
Effects of Asbestos
When asbestos is disturbed in any way, its fibers enter the air and can enter the luns of anyone nearby. These fibers irritate lung tissue and cause DNA damage. Studies conducted in the 1960s found that asbestos exposure caused mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest cavity, or abdomen. It’s also been linked to asbestosis (an inflammatory lung condition that includes shortness of breath, coughing, and eventually scarring of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe properly), lung cancer, and other lung problems. It’s possible that asbestos is a factor in the development of certain cancers such as those of the gastrointestinal tract, throat, kidney, brain, bladder, voice box, gallbladder, and others. Now, asbestos use is banned in many countries because it’s been proven to be carcinogenic and toxic.
How do I know if I’m sick because of asbestos exposure?
If you’re concerned you might have been exposed to asbestos, act immediately. The only way to know for sure is to visit your doctor, who will thoroughly evaluate your condition and health history. He or she may also order tests such as X-rays of the chest and/or abdomen, lung function tests, CT scans, or MRI.
Get Asbestos Out
If you suspect your home may have asbestos in it, call the hazardous materials experts at H2 Environmental. We’ll thoroughly check every nook and cranny of your home for asbestos and other hazardous materials such as mold, fungus, and lead, and let you know if we find anything. If we do, you can count on our expert workers to remove all traces of asbestos from your home, giving you peace of mind. We follow all state and federal regulations regarding asbestos, so you’ll be able to rest assured that it’ll be taken care of following the best safety procedures possible. When it comes to your health, don’t just hope for the best—make absolutely your home is free of hazardous materials by calling H2 Environmental at (800) 524-3578 today.
