Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications for centuries. Its unique properties – including resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals – made it an ideal material for many uses.

Unfortunately, we now know that asbestos exposure can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks.

The dangers of asbestos exposure

Asbestos has been used in a variety of products for many years in the US. This mineral is well known for its resistance to heat, electricity, and fire, and as a result, it has been used in insulation, brake pads, building construction, etc.

While asbestos is considered safe when it is encapsulated or in good condition, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure can occur during mining, working with asbestos-containing products, or exposure to asbestos fibers in the environment.

If you suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to see a doctor and get tested. Exposure to asbestos is a serious health hazard, and it is important to take measures to protect yourself and your family.

Diseases Caused By Asbestos Exposure 

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure along with continuous smoking greatly increases the chances of developing Lung Cancer. Multiple tests are required to identify if the cancer is the result of asbestos exposure. 

The life expectancy for lung cancer caused by asbestos is 16.2 months. Surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are among the few treatments for Lung Cancer.

Mesothelioma

A mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. People who’ve been exposed to asbestos for a long time are at risk of developing Mesothelioma. It is the deadliest type of cancer. 

The average lifespan for mesothelioma after diagnosis is 12 to 21 months. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, the stage of diagnosis, and general health, many people live longer than this.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers which cause scarring in the lung tissue. If you have been excessively exposed to asbestos, over time you might notice symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest/shoulder pain, etc. Asbestosis symptoms may be mild or severe. 

People diagnosed with asbestosis live a good number of years, even a decade in a few cases but there’s no cure for this disease. 

Can You Reverse the Damage Caused By Asbestos?

The answer is No. There is no cure for asbestos-caused diseases, and the damage caused to your lungs by inhaling asbestos fibers is non-reversible. 

Avoiding asbestos exposure and reducing cigarette smoking will help relieve symptoms. The course of treatment for diseases caused by asbestos mainly includes improving breathing ability and reducing the symptoms. 

If You’ve Been Exposed To Asbestos Here Are Some Symptoms to Look Out For:

  • Shortness of Breath 

  • Swollen Fingers 

  • Wheezing 

  • Constant Coughing 

  • Chest & Shoulder Pain

  • Fatigue 

Utmost care should be taken if you identify with any of these symptoms. 

Asbestos & Prevention

Asbestos got banned in the late 1980s, but there are plenty of houses in America that still have asbestos in them. If your house was made anywhere between the 1040s-1960s, there’s a chance your house might have asbestos. Here are some of the common and uncommon places where asbestos is hidden in houses. 

  • Caulking

  • Ceiling Tiles

  • Cement Sheeting

  • Concrete

  • Millboard

  • Plasters

  • Textured Popcorn Ceilings 

  • Vinyl Floor Tiles 

Asbestos exposure causes some of the deadliest cancerous & non-cancerous diseases. It’s wise to call a professional asbestos removal service to inspect your living premises to avoid risking your lives. 

Asbestos causes irreversible damage to your lungs. Everybody who is exposed to asbestos fibers is at risk. Homes, community buildings, malls, and schools need thorough inspection and if traces of asbestos are found, the whole premise needs to be inspected by an Asbestos Removal Company. 

Removing asbestos from a home is even riskier than identifying that a house contains asbestos. This mineral is extremely toxic for humans and any kind of movement or disturbance breaks the fibers into small particles. These broken asbestos particles become airborne and can be inhaled by humans. Once inhaled it can lead to lung damage.

If it’s about asbestos removal, Ridaway is your trusted partner ready to come to the rescue. Schedule an asbestos abatement with us to protect your family from the dangers of Asbestos poisoning. 

Broken asbestos particles cannot be seen by the naked eye and hence the abatement procedure should only be done by state-approved Asbestos Removal Agencies.  

At RidAway, we work in line with all national, state, and local laws to guarantee that your asbestos removal process is performed securely. We provide 100% asbestos removal and ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for you and future generations.

BRING HOME SAFETY & COMFORT