Asbestos
A group of six mined minerals which naturally occur in the Environment as groups of fibres that are separated into thin , durable threads to be used in domestic and commercial building products.
Asbestos is heat , fire and chemically resistant and does not conduct electricity. This is why you find asbestos products in places such as around pipes and boilers and within fire doors and electrical fuses (amongst other places).
You can be exposed to asbestos at work or in your home.
When asbestos is disturbed , it releases microscopic fibres which become airborne and can be inhaled. Just because asbestos is within your home , it does not decrease or increase the risk of exposure.
If asbestos fibres are inhaled , they can become lodged in your lung and remain there for long periods of time - this cause scarring and inflammation which affects breathing and leads to serious health problems
Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen - A substance that causes cancer!
There are long periods between exposure and symptoms of asbestos related diseases. it can take between 10-40 years or more for symptoms to develop!
Everyone is exposed to asbestos at sometime during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air , water and soil. There is no evidence to suggest people become ill from this level of exposure.
In general , those who become ill are usually those who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis mainly through their job or substantial environmental contact.
Brief exposures have also resulted in asbestos related diseases too. There is evidence that family members of workers who are heavily exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk of second hand exposure. Fibres are brought home on clothes , shoes , skin and hair of workers.
Asbestos related diseases include :
Mesothelioma - a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs. It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and it is almost always fatal.
Lung Cancer (Asbestos Related) - Looks the same as lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes
Asbestosis
- Serious scarring of the lung that occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over long periods of time. In severe cases asbestosis can be fatal.
Pleural Thickening
- The lining of the lung (Pleura) thickens and becomes swollen.
This can cause a shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest if it gets worse and the lung is squeezed.
It is important to take steps to protect yourself now because these diseases take a long time to develop , but once diagnosed it's often to late to do anything.
By visiting the
NHS website
you can find out more about the symptoms of asbestos related diseases or speak to your doctor if you have concerns.