Overview: You probably already know that asbestos is a highly dangerous material, but what else do you know about it? In this blog we'll take a look at what asbestos is, why it is so dangerous and what you can do to protect yourself.
Asbestos has been used for some time, but only recently have people really understood the health consequences that the material poses. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about asbestos.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that can be manufactured into strong threads. When first discovered, asbestos appeared to be extremely useful as the fibres did not conduct electricity and were resistant to heat and fire. Because of this, the use of asbestos became widespread and it was considered to be a trusted material that could reduce the risk of fire in buildings.
Asbestos was mainly used for roofing, insulation, flooring and other similar applications.
Why is it so dangerous?
In a way, asbestos is so dangerous because it is so durable. When the material is turned into dust and inhaled the body cannot break it down and this is what causes the often terminal diseases associated with asbestos. You may have heard of buildings still containing asbestos and this may seem worrying, but as long as the materials are not solid and left alone, then they are generally harmless. It is only when the fibres become airborne that they pose a health hazard. As a result, most health problems caused by asbestos are respiratory related.
How can I protect myself against it?
The best way to protect you and your family from asbestos exposure is by having your property checked out by a hazardous materials specialist like 24/7 Restoration. If you suspect there may be asbestos in a certain area of your house then it's crucial that you do not disturb it – it is when the material becomes airborne that it becomes dangerous.
Bottom Line: Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material that is relatively well-known. It was initially used because of its excellent insulation and fire-resistant properties, but once asbestos workers began suffering from severe health issues, questions were raised and the material was found to be hazardous. While asbestos is continually removed from older buildings, it is not uncommon to come across the material in its relatively safe solid state. If you have any concerns about asbestos exposure, then the best way to deal with the problem is to contact a hazardous material removal expert like 24/7 Restoration Calgary.
If you have any concerns about asbestos, then don't hesitate to contact 24/7 Restoration today at (403) 247-4365.
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