Though the use of asbestos in residential homes has long been discontinued, a home built in the 1970s or earlier will often have been constructed with materials containing the substance. If you live in such a home, be extra vigilant for damage in your walls, floors, piping, and roof. That is how asbestos particles are released into the air and how they become a danger to you and your family.
If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, call a certified contractor that can remediate or abate it right away. The team 24/7 Restoration can test and confirm the presence of asbestos and come up with a thorough solution to make your home safe again.
What Asbestos Can Do To You
Do not underestimate the dangers asbestos poses to your health. Every year, more than 3,000 North Americans are diagnosed with severe Asbestos-related symptoms, and these are often industrial workers having the best protection available. If even professionals are at risk when working with asbestos, imagine the dangers it can pose to you and your family.
Asbestos symptoms are directly associated with exposure; the longer you are exposed to the particles, the more severe your symptoms. However, even the briefest of contact can cause a variety of respiratory problems. These include:
- Reduced lung function
- Increased asthma
- Wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness
- Respiratory infections
If brief exposure can cause respiratory problems, prolonged exposure is even more threatening. A host of devastating conditions can arise from inhaling asbestos airborne fibres:
Asbestosis: This chronic lung condition is characterized by lung tissue scarring and shortness of breath. It is especially insidious because it only appears many years after exposure. People with asbestosis are at greater risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers in particular are the most vulnerable.
Cancer: Lung cancer is not only the cancer you may contract from asbestos exposure; you could also develop cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and throat.
Mesothelioma: This cancer is infamous for its association with asbestos exposure; up to 80% may be caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma attacks the membranes that line the lungs and chest. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough and hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and sudden weight loss. The first signs of mesothelioma can take between 30 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Pleural effusion: This condition is characterized by a buildup of fluid in the thin membranes that line the outside of the lungs. It is often associated with mesothelioma. The severity of pleural effusion varies, but most patients will experience a combination of chest pain, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Treatments such as diuretics, drainage, and surgery, can alleviate the symptoms of this condition.
Clearly, asbestos is not to be trifled with. Continuous inhalation of its fibres can cause respiratory complications. In the worst cases, you could contract one of the many malignant forms of cancer.
Calgary's Professional Asbestos Remover
If you live in an older home, you could be exposed to asbestos without your knowing. Carefully inspect the foundations of your home for cracks, crumbling, and peeling. These are all openings from which asbestos can escape. Remember, asbestos is only dangerous if it is released in the air.
Is your home susceptible to asbestos poisoning? If so, you should not delay in seeking remediation. Call 24/7 Restoration at 1-403-247-4365. One of our project managers will quickly coordinate a team of certified professionals to safely dispose of the threat from your home.
FAQs
Q: How can asbestos be dealt with in a residential setting?
A: Asbestos can be remediated via a thorough cleanup or by sealing it back in the materials.
Q: Where can I find asbestos in my home?
A: If your home is built in the 1970s or earlier, you may find asbestos in the piping, flooring, roofing, siding, walls, etc.
Q: Can I remove asbestos by myself?
A: Asbestos removal or remediation should only be done by trained professionals.
