Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that, if inhaled and lodged in the lungs, can unleash severe medical outcomes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asbestos exposure can cause a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. It’s so rare, in fact, that there were just 2,803 cases of the aggressive cancer in the U.S. in 2021.
One of the problems with mesothelioma is that even a single instance of asbestos exposure can lead to the disease. That leaves little margin for error since a single slip-up is all it takes to unleash the chaos. If you live in an older home, some of the materials, like the roofing, siding, insulation, and ceiling tiles, may contain asbestos.
Disturbing these materials can cause the asbestos fibers to break away and become airborne. When people breathe in these airborne asbestos fibers, the fibers can become lodged in their lungs and cause health issues.
It can take several decades between initial exposure and mesothelioma, which is one reason the life expectancy post-diagnosis is so low. By the time it’s discovered, the cancer has usually progressed so far that there’s little that can be done.
Considering the possible complications of asbestos exposure, here are four things to know.
- Dangerous When Disturbed
It’s essential to reiterate that the problem with asbestos is usually applicable only when the fibers are disturbed. So, if the insulation behind your walls has asbestos fibers and you don’t interact with or unsettle it, your family and guests are likely safe. It’s when the materials containing asbestos are agitated that you can run into problems.
If you’re doing any remodeling and know some of the materials could contain asbestos, it’s best to hire a professional company. They can assess the situation and safely remove any dangerous materials.
2. Health Risks of Asbestos
Mesothelioma is arguably the worst outcome of asbestos exposure. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only one. The Lung Cancer Research Foundation, for instance, says one in 16 people will get a lung cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. It adds that 654,620 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease at some point and that around 125,070 Americans die due to lung cancer annually.
Meanwhile, asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, is another possible negative health outcome stemming from asbestos exposure.
3. Latency Period of Diseases
Remember that the mesothelioma latency period is significant. For some people, it can take 20 to 50 years between exposure and symptoms of the disease. That’s one reason to prioritize proper healthcare routines. Seeing your doctor regularly and following up if you’re not feeling well can increase the chances of serious problems being discovered sooner.
The fact that even a single exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma at some point makes it more necessary to exercise caution.
4. Asbestos Banned in the U.S.
The U.S. has finalized a ban on chrysotile asbestos. An announcement of the decision last year came on the heels of a partial ban. If you live in an older home, there’s still a risk that some materials contain asbestos fibers. But if there’s a risk, you can stay safe by hiring a company specializing in asbestos removal before undertaking any home remodeling or repairs. You don’t want to roll the dice and throw caution to the wind.
Asbestos exposure is something to take seriously, considering the possible long-term consequences. A known carcinogen, asbestos can lead to several negative health outcomes that lead to a dreadfully low life expectancy. You can reduce your chances of developing such problems by avoiding exposure.