Still on deciding on whether or not to remove your asbestos?
Learn about the health implications of these linked diseases.
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos exposure. Typically develops over the course of several years and varies depending on exposure. That said, it’s an incredibly debilitating experience. Essentially the fibers get lodged into the tissues within the lungs and cause scar tissue. The scar tissue is known as pulmonary fibrosis, which decreases the “elasticity” of your lungs, meaning it’s very difficult to inhale. The result is having permanent shortness of breath, and even a “crackling” from breathing. Other symptoms of this condition are coughing and reduced lung capacity. The strain on the heart function feels like chest pain and causes reduced circulation and bluish skin. “Finger clubbing” is a consequence of reduced oxygen blood flow to the extremities, where your fingers and toes become deformed.
Lung cancer is a long-term consequence of asbestos exposure and varies person-to-person in severity. The primary difference between this condition and asbestosis is that it can take longer than a decade to present itself, unless a serious exposure to asbestos took place. The unfortunate consequence of this is that it is often fatal and completely destroys one’s quality of life. Symptoms have included chronic coughing, weight loss, breathing difficulties, chest pains, and fevers. Because the symptoms often correlate with several other conditions, a myriad of testing and uncomfortable, stressful doctor visits is required. As an added danger caused by Asbestos was documented by individuals who developed lung cancer but did not come into direct exposure. It was revealed that if an individual comes into contact with asbestos, the fibers will stick to their clothing, and this can cause secondary exposure to anyone else.
Mesothelioma is very rare for most people, but highly likely for individuals that come into contact with Asbestos. This is a very aggressive and fatal cancer caused by mesothelial cells in the lining of the lungs, abdominals, and the heart. Asbestos fibers can find their way into the stomach by swallowing mucus generated as an initial reaction to exposure. The onset can take as long as lung cancer, but this is dependent on the level of exposure. Similar to the conditions above, this has been reported to affect family members who have come into secondary contact with asbestos.
There are several other non-cancerous conditions that can happen to someone exposed. While these conditions are less likely to be fatal in nature, they are highly uncomfortable and can contribute to a compromised immune system. The bottom line in respect to the risks of exposure is that this substance is highly hazardous and needs to be removed by a professional.
Please do not try this at home!
Asbestos Abatement is not a project for a Do-It-Yourselfer. Because the material is so dangerous to work with, under no circumstances should anyone ever attempt it unless they have proper training, certifications, personal protective equipment, the environment is sectioned off and the contractor is properly insured. Because the material is so dangerous, the industry is highly scrutinized as there is minimal margin for error or mistakes. What this means to you as the consumer, is that if you are considering an Abatement company in the Edmonton area, that you want to ensure they are properly insured! Abatement companies and technicians are required to undergo extensive training which qualifies them for a public-liability insurance which protects you - the consumer - financially in the event of a mishap. This regulation establishes accountability, which incentives the contractor to perform with the utmost diligence, safety, and caution so that everyone is safe. So once again, as a final reminder, if you pride yourself as a Do-It-Yourselfer, please do not attempt to remove Asbestos and instead hire a professional.
Asbestos Management is a secondary option.
Despite being the best course of action, asbestos removal is not the only option available to property owners. Sometimes, in special circumstances the short-term costs do not justify the expenses. In such a scenario, it’s recommended to proceed with Asbestos Management, where the property owner, the testing company, and the inspector proceed with a containment strategy instead of removal. If the material is in an out-of-reach location where the risk of someone accidentally tampering with it is incredibly low, then the area will be regularly tested and monitored for years to come. Similarly, if the area is accessible, then it has to be permanently section off and regularly inspected by a professional tester. While this is cheaper in the short term, and there is no disruption due to a removal crew having to work, the costs long term add up. Continual monitoring and testing must be paid for, and the risks over time as the material ages is gradually increased.
