WHAT MAKES ASBESTOS THE “HIDDEN KILLER”?

 
 

Almost every article you come across on Asbestos refers to it as the “Hidden Killer”. What makes it so hidden, and how can it possibly kill you? In this article, we will respond to these common queries.

 
Asbestos The Hidden Killer

The hidden killer: Asbestos

The main reason Asbestos is referred to as the hidden killer is its microscopic fibres which are invisible to the naked eye.

Certain rock types contain this naturally occurring hazardous material, which is composed of long, thin fibres that break down and are too small for the human eye to see.

An Asbestos fibre typically measures 0.1-10µm, which is about 0.001-0.01mm in length. Furthermore, they are tasteless and odourless which is why you may be exposed to Asbestos fibres without even realising it - Hence - “The Hidden Killer” tag.

 

Why Is Inhaling Asbestos Fibres So Dangerous?

Why is breathing in asbestos fibres so dangerous as we breathe in dust and other particles every day?

As stated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety, breathing in asbestos fibres can increase your chances of developing a number of illnesses, which include:

• Mesothelioma – lung and intestinal Cancer

  • Lung Cancer - cancer within the lung tissue

  • Asbestosis – Scarring of lung tissue from asbestos exposure

• Pleural plaques – lung membrane thickening

• larynx, and ovarian cancer (in very low numbers)

Once exposed, the microscopic fibres get lodged in the delicate soft tissue in the lungs and can’t be broken down or expelled by our bodies natural defences.

According to research, Asbestos fibres have the potential to harm DNA and cause irritation and inflammation over time. It is now widely accepted that Asbestos in any concentration is bad for human health.

Since there is no known safe amount of asbestos exposure, even a single exposure to asbestos can result in the development of a linked disease.  

The fact that you might not even be aware that you breathed asbestos fibres and that it could take decades for an exposure event to cause a condition like cancer or asbestosis makes the situation worse. By the time symptoms appear, you might only have a few years to live.

Further details on the diseases and their symptoms can be found here.

 

How to avoid Asbestos exposure

It might be frightening to know how hazardous asbestos is, especially when you learn that it can result in serious illnesses such as cancer.

Just because asbestos is present in your homes and workplaces, it does not always pose an exposure risk or danger to health. If managed properly and to the current regulations and guidance Asbestos can be made safe to live and work around.

There are several precautions that if taken in a timely manner can limit or eliminate the exposure,

  • Adhering to all proper safety procedures and guidance

  • Not disturbing asbestos-containing materials - Know where your asbestos is

  • Have your property inspected by a competent accredited survey company

  • Employing asbestos removal professionals for home and business renovations and demolition work

  • Donning personal protective equipment where trained to do so

  • Ensuring anyone working in an area containing asbestos is aware

  • Limiting access to asbestos sites

  • Training staff in the risks and how to identify suspect materials

  • Conducting asbestos testing before beginning any work.

Recommendation

Don’t gamble with your life! Instead, when it's time to do renovations, repairs, or demolition work, contact knowledgeable asbestos specialists for assistance. They can take the necessary precautions to protect you, your family, and themselves.

Our company works tirelessly to reduce peoples exposure to Asbestos going forward but there is little we can do for those damaged by exposure to Asbestos in the past. We offer a range of Asbestos related services to help clients moving forward on new properties and buildings.

Our teams can assist with any of the following asbestos-related works -

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