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Once widely popular as insulation in homes and businesses across the world, asbestos only became widely known as a dangerous substance in the 1970s. Since then, its use has dwindled, but because many older buildings contain the material, asbestos abatement is still common today. Learn about the health impacts of this substance and how to address exposure in the guide below.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to any of six naturally occurring silicate minerals that were once woven into highly efficient insulating fibers. At the end of the 19th century, this substance was widely mined and installed in everything from factories and apartment buildings to hospitals and ships.

How Asbestos Impacts Health

asbestos abatementAsbestos is responsible for a wide range of health conditions and illnesses, most notably mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to the substance. The symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, blue skin, or finger clubbing.

How People Are Exposed to Asbestos

Asbestos exposure occurs when tiny pieces of the fibers become airborne, entering the body through the mouth or nose when breathing, eating, drinking, or speaking. These particles can remain suspended in the air for hours, endangering anyone in the area.

In the early days of asbestos abatement, the risks still weren’t entirely understood, which left many workers exposed to the danger they were fighting by leaving them without proper protection.

What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed

While no amount of exposure is safe, your risk is lower if you’ve only been exposed to asbestos for a short period. But repeated low-level exposures can lead to an accumulation of asbestos fibers and particles in the body. Large releases of these particles in events such as fires or demolitions of asbestos-laden buildings will also pose health risks.

If you’re concerned about asbestos exposure, consult your doctor about your experience and any symptoms. If you’re certain there’s asbestos in your home or another property you frequent, asbestos abatement will remove the risk altogether, leaving the building far safer for human occupation.

 

If you need asbestos abatement, count on Ohana Environmental Construction in Honolulu, HI. With over 35 years of experience, the fully insured, bonded, and Hazmat-certified construction company handles environmental abatement and hazardous waste management in Hawaii. Plus, they offer 24/7 emergency services. Call (808) 836-6955 or visit them online to schedule an inspection.

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