Throughout the years, construction methods have come a long way. Certain techniques and materials have been abandoned, such as asbestos. If you’ve recently purchased an old home with this once-popular material, you might have heard that it can result in serious health consequences. Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid long-term exposure by investing in asbestos removal.

What Illnesses Are Caused by Asbestos?

1. Mesothelioma

If you live in a home with amphibole asbestos (the brown or blue varieties), you may be at risk of this cancer. Over time, the inhalation of asbestos’ small fibers causes cancer in the lungs and abdomen and sometimes the bowels.

Unlike lung cancer, which may be caused by smoking, mesothelioma is only known to be caused by long-term asbestos exposure. It can take nearly 50 years for this incurable disease to take hold, and just 6 to 18 months to result in fatality.

2. Asbestosis

While not cancerous, asbestosis still affects the lungs. In this case, the dust scars lung tissue, causing it to permanently swell and block the flow of oxygen.

As a result, patients have a hard time breathing and may deal with coughing, heart strain, and oxygen starvation. Without adequate asbestos removal, asbestosis most often develops 10 to 20 years after heavy exposure to the construction material and eventually culminates in heart failure.

3. Ovarian Cancer

While lesser known, many medical professionals believe there to be a link between years of asbestos exposure and the development of ovarian cancer. Asbestos fibers floating through the air may enter the body through the lymph system, bloodstream, or reproductive tract. When they reach the ovarian tissues, they cause inflammation, which results in cell damage and, eventually, cancer.

If you’re worried about asbestos in your home, don’t wait to reach out to Action Asbestos Removal in Montville, CT. This team has been eradicating the toxic substance since 1992, ensuring that the fibers don’t travel during the process. Since asbestos is often found in insulation, they can also replace these areas with asbestos-free alternatives. To learn more about their skills, visit their website or call (860) 848-2912 to make an asbestos removal appointment.