Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous materials that are used to strengthen and fireproof items like cloth, paper, cement, and plastic. Since it was discovered to be harmful to human health, it has been used significantly less often. However, asbestos exposure continues to kill approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Americans each year. 

What You Need to Know About Asbestos

How Are People Exposed to Asbestos?

Before the 1980s, asbestos was added to a wide variety of products. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has managed to ban many of these materials, there are still numerous products—including car parts, construction materials, fertilizer, and talc—that contain this mineral either naturally or artificially.

Between 1949 and 1970, about 27 million workers were exposed to the mineral while working in asbestos manufacturing occupations, such as construction, electricity generation, firefighting, and heavy industry. Today, most of the people who develop asbestos-related diseases are men aged 60 or older who worked in these industries. The U.S. military also relied heavily on asbestos at the time, and many veterans, especially those in the Navy who assisted with shipbuilding, were exposed. 

Nowadays, most people only come into contact with asbestos when renovating or demolishing old buildings that contain asbestos products. Those who live close to asbestos deposit sites, like contaminated mines, processing facilities, or vermiculite mining locations, should also be wary about disturbing contaminated soil.

Can Asbestos Exposure Cause Disease & Illness?

Asbestos’ unique heat, electricity, and corrosion-resistant properties come from its soft and fine needle-like fibers. Unfortunately, when these microscopic fibers become airborne, they can be easily inhaled and trapped inside the body. Repeated or long-term exposure increases the fibers’ ability to cause inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage.

With time, persons exposed can develop several cancers and diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestos-related lung cancer, and a chronic lung disease known as asbestosis. Most notably, however, is mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive cancer that occurs in the thin tissue layer that covers the internal organs. Asbestos exposure is almost exclusively the only known way to develop this condition.

Disturbing materials expected to contain asbestos is incredibly dangerous to your health. Stay safe and let the certified professionals at Rainbow Environmental Services in Fairfax, OH, handle the job. For 30 years, this remediation company has provided environmental solutions to homes, businesses, and institutions throughout the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. They specialize in asbestos removal, mold testing and removal, and lead-based paint removal. Call (513) 624-6470 to receive an estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their services.