Beware: Asbestos Dangers Explained
You probably have heard that asbestos is a health hazard, but never truly learned why. A lot of building products, especially traditional insulation materials, contain asbestos or its byproduct. Asbestos-containing products are relatively harmless until it starts permeating the air with contaminated dust or fibers.
Asbestos: What Is It?
It is a multilayer needle-like fibrous mineral. The composition features a network of microscopic silicate fibers, which are essentially heat-retardant and insulating. For these benefits, asbestos has become a widely used multipurpose resource across industries. In building construction, it makes an efficient insulator for electrical applications, ceilings, walls, and so forth. Although it is a versatile material that has many uses, asbestos can be hazardous.
Dangers Of Inhaling and Ingesting Asbestos
Airborne asbestos can enter your HVAC systems and make you ill when you ingest or inhale the particles. If you invariably breathe in asbestos, mucous membranes found in your throat and nose will collect traces of it. With time, it will infiltrate your lungs and trigger troubling symptoms. You also run the risk of compromising your digestive tract when you swallow asbestos. It can cause serious health complications and is sometimes life-threatening. Asbestos-related illnesses are not always symptomatic, but you should consult a health professional if you suspect signs.
Lately, cases of asbestos causing cancer-related diseases have been mounting. Several clinicians have linked asbestos exposure to conditions such as mesothelioma. Also, prolonged exposure to the particles of it increases the risk of a chronic lung condition called asbestosis. If someone inhales an influx of asbestos fibers, it can scar lung tissue and compromise the respiratory system; which can cause long-term breathing problems.
Get more information at asbestos testing in Sydney.
