Asbestos is a building material substance that still results in thousands of deaths annually. In the UK, the hazardous substance kills approximately 5,000 workers each year, or more people than are killed on UK roadways. Plus, about 20 tradesmen lose their lives weekly due to past exposure of the natural mineral. Whilst some people believe that asbestos has been eradicated for the most part, this is not true. The fibrous element is still found in structures that were remodelled or erected before 2000.
People Who Inhale Asbestos Often Get Sick
When building products containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, the fibres become airborne. If the fibres are inhaled, they lead to a serious disease. Although inhalation of the fibres does not affect people immediately, it does lead to serious and sometimes fatal illnesses.
Obtaining an Asbestos Sample
When an asbestos sampling is taken, the fibres of asbestos are often found inside pipe lagging or in loose fill insulation. Fibres can also be found in ceiling tiles and bath panels as well as behind fuse boxes or around the boiler in a home. Vinyl floor tiles may contain asbestos as well. Outside of the home, asbestos is often located around gutters and soffits as well as in roof felting.
That is because asbestos insulating board was once used extensively. So, this is the product that is frequently the culprit for an increased asbestos risk. When taking samples at industrial sites, asbestos is often located near water tanks or in the sprayed coatings on beams, columns, ceilings, and walls. Loose fill insulation, partition walls, and panels in fire doors may also contain the dangerous substance in industrial venues.
Asbestos-Related Illnesses
The following list represents the primary health conditions that frequently develop because of asbestos exposure. Exposure is not something to take lightly as the conditions that develop are severe and often fatal.
Lung Cancer
Although lung cancer is often associated with smoking, the condition is also linked to asbestos exposure. A diagnosis is normally not made until the disease has spread or metastasised, thereby significantly lowering a patient’s chance for survival.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the pleura of the lung and the peritoneum. The pleura represents the lining of the lungs whilst the peritoneum is the lining that surrounds the lower part of the digestive tract. Mesothelioma cannot be cured. So, asbestos removal lowers the risk of contracting this dreaded disease.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a condition where the lungs are scarred after years of asbestos exposure. The condition leads to shortness of breath and ultimately to death in severe cases.
Pleural Thickening
Just as asbestosis, pleural thickening results from heavy exposure to asbestos. The pleura or lining of the lungs swells and thickens and breathing is difficult.
Sampling Is a Legal Obligation
The term pneumoconiosis may also refer to asbestosis as the condition represents any lung disease that forms from inhaling dust. To ensure that the dust in your home or property is not asbestos, sampling and reporting is a necessity. Sampling is often advised for older buildings or before a refurbishment or demolition takes place. By law, property owners are obligated to schedule a sampling.