Have you heard of asbestos? It was used in older construction in homes and commercial buildings from 1930 until around 1950. The United States officially banned the use of asbestos in 1977. However, most structures that contain asbestos are OK and safe to inhabit only until the asbestos fibers are disturbed. Any demolition, updates, or construction on old asbestos must be properly monitored. Asbestos is a name for a group of six natural silicate minerals, all of which have needle-shaped fibers. The shape of the asbestos fiber is one of the factors that makes it so dangerous. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers embed in the lungs and can cause many long-term problems, including lung cancer.
What is the Difference Between Asbestos and Asbestosis?
Asbestos fibers can cause a wide variety of lung diseases. Asbestosis refers to a condition in which inhaled asbestos fibers cause scarring and immobility of the lungs. The condition makes it impossible for the patient to take deep breaths, which may severely hinder one’s quality of life. Another name for this condition is pulmonary fibrosis. Asbestosis is a name for pulmonary fibrosis that is known to have been caused by exposure to the silicates. Asbestos exposure and lung inflammation can also lead to more serious conditions, such as mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer.
How Can You Avoid Asbestosis?
The best way to steer clear of asbestosis is to make sure you and your loved ones are never around asbestos fibers flying in the air. If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, it most likely contains asbestos as it was such a widespread, commonly used material.
If you own an older home and are looking to remodel, it’s important that you don’t begin tearing into the walls, ceilings, or floor tiles on your own. Instead, hire an environmental firm to test your home for the presence of asbestos and handle the asbestos removal process. At Burns Environmental Services, we can thoroughly remove any asbestos from your building and help protect the safety of those who inhabit the space.
Don’t risk asbestos exposure during your next big remodeling project. Contact the experts at Burns Environmental, and make sure everyone stays safe.