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The Dangers Of Asbestos Products And How To Stay Safe

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre once widely used in various products, including building materials, insulation, textiles, and automotive parts. However, asbestos is now known to be a serious health hazard. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and other organs, where they can cause inflammation, scarring, and cancer.

The dangers of asbestos exposure

Asbestos exposure can lead to several serious health problems, including:

  • Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue. This can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to respiratory failure.
  • Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
  • Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

    • Asbestos products in the home

    Asbestos was used in a wide variety of building materials in homes built before the 1980s, including:

  • Insulation
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Floor tiles
  • Adhesives
  • Roofing materials
  • Textured paint

    • If you have an older home, it's important to be aware of the potential for asbestos exposure. If you're planning to renovate or remodel your home, having your home inspected for asbestos products by a qualified professional is a good idea.

    Staying Safe from Asbestos

    If you have asbestos in your home, the best way to stay safe is to leave it alone if it is in good condition. However, asbestos products can release fibres into the air if they are damaged or disturbed. If you must disturb asbestos, taking precautions to protect yourself from exposure is essential.

    Precautions to take when disturbing asbestos:

  • Wear a respirator with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
  • Wet the asbestos material before disturbing it to help prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
  • Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and tape.
  • Clean up all asbestos dust and debris thoroughly.

    • If you have asbestos products in your home and need them removed, hiring a qualified asbestos removal professional is crucial. Asbestos removal is a complex process that requires specialised training and equipment.

    ENSA asbestos removal services

    ENSA offers specialised and safe asbestos removal services. Our experienced and qualified professionals can safely remove asbestos products from your home or business, protecting you and your loved ones from exposure.

    Contact ENSA for details

    If you want more information about asbestos removal, get in touch with a representative from ENSA today.