What are the Health Risks of Using Asbestos at Home?

Asbestos was once used in most building construction. That’s why it’s so prevalent in older buildings like schools and offices. While asbestos is now banned in most countries and asbestos products are not manufactured anymore, asbestos still exists in some of the older buildings. 

Asbestos can cause serious health risks if it is disturbed by renovation, construction, or demolition. Even if you don’t live in a building with extensive use of asbestos, you can still contract mesothelioma (a type of lung cancer) from the dust released when older homes are demolished. Therefore, it is essential to consult nettoyage amiante Multisinistres professionals for the removal of asbestos from buildings.

We will now look into the major health risks associated with asbestos.

• Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a type of silica exposure, with the symptoms appearing after some years. This medical condition is called “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” (COPD) for a reason. After some time, your airways become narrowed and stiffened, making it difficult for you to breathe. If you have asthma, asbestosis can make it worse. And if you’re undergoing an activity that forces you to inhale dust or fumes (like bricklayers), exposure to asbestos fibers may exacerbate your existing condition.

• Pleural disease

This is a rare but serious disease that affects the lining of your lungs and the space between the lungs. Pleural disease is also known as “pleurisy”, and you are more likely to get it if you work with asbestos or work in a factory where asbestos products are used. If left untreated, it can result in lung cancer.

• Lung cancer

There has been a significant increase in the number of lung cancer cases since the use of asbestos. This is because asbestos is a type of carcinogen that can cause cancer. While there have been many studies showing an increased mortality rate from mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers linked to asbestos, it remains unclear whether this is due to exposure or due to other factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and alcohol consumption.

• Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is another serious disease caused by asbestos. Asbestos exposure can also lead to cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells, which are the cells that line many internal organs like your lungs, abdomen, and heart.