Risks of Not Removing Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once hailed as a miracle material for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. For decades, it was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. However, despite its initial benefits, we now know that exposure to asbestos can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If your property or home still contains asbestos, it can pose significant risks to your health and safety. In this extensive blog post, we will explore the dangers of leaving asbestos untreated, the long-term health consequences, how it can affect your property value, and the importance of professional removal.

What Is Asbestos?

Before diving into the risks of leaving asbestos in place, it’s essential to understand what asbestos is and why it was used so extensively in the past.

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, including chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). These minerals have a unique combination of heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties, which made them ideal for use in a wide range of products, including:

• Insulation materials
• Roofing shingles
• Cement products
• Flooring tiles
• Paints
• Textiles

Asbestos was commonly used in homes, schools, factories, and commercial buildings, especially from the 1950s to the 1980s. However, over time, research revealed that asbestos fibers are toxic when inhaled. Inhaling these tiny fibers can cause serious and even fatal lung diseases.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos fibers are microscopic, making them difficult to detect. When disturbed, such as during home renovation, demolition, or deterioration of building materials, these fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to severe and often fatal health conditions, including:

1. Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium), or abdomen (peritoneum). The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Symptoms typically take years, if not decades, to manifest, and by the time they appear, the disease is often in its advanced stages. The prognosis for mesothelioma is typically poor, with most patients surviving only a few months after diagnosis.

2. Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring of lung tissue, which interferes with the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Asbestosis symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, chest pain, and fatigue. This condition is progressive and can lead to severe disability and even respiratory failure over time.

3. Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. It is especially dangerous when combined with smoking, significantly increasing the risk of developing lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer often include persistent coughing, chest pain, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Like mesothelioma, lung cancer can take decades to develop and is often diagnosed in later stages, making it difficult to treat effectively.

4. Other Cancers

In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos exposure has been linked to cancers of the throat, larynx, esophagus, and kidneys. Although less common, these cancers can be equally deadly and are often linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers.

5. Pleural Plaques and Other Non-Cancerous Conditions

Asbestos exposure can also cause non-cancerous conditions like pleural plaques (thickening or scarring of the lining of the lungs), pleuritis (inflammation of the lung lining), and lung fibrosis. While these conditions are not fatal, they can cause significant discomfort, difficulty breathing, and can increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.

Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?

The danger of asbestos lies in its fibrous structure. When disturbed, such as during demolition or deterioration, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers are so small that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they become trapped. The body cannot break down or remove these fibers, leading to irritation, inflammation, and scarring in lung tissue over time.

One of the most concerning aspects of asbestos exposure is the latency period. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may take 10, 20, or even 50 years to appear. This means someone could be unknowingly suffering from asbestos exposure long before the disease manifests. By the time symptoms emerge, the disease may be in an advanced stage, making treatment options limited.

The Dangers of Leaving Asbestos Untouched

If you suspect that your home or property contains asbestos, the natural instinct may be to leave it alone, assuming it’s “safe” if undisturbed. However, failing to remove asbestos or manage it properly can pose several significant risks:

1. Health Risks from Disturbance

Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is disturbed. For example, during renovations, repairs, or demolition, asbestos-containing materials can be damaged, releasing toxic fibers into the air. Homeowners, workers, or even neighbors may be unknowingly exposed to these hazardous fibers. Over time, if asbestos is left in place without proper management, it can deteriorate and become more likely to release fibers into the environment.

2. Property Value Decrease

Properties with asbestos are often considered a liability by potential buyers. In many cases, buyers are unwilling to purchase properties with asbestos due to the health risks and potential remediation costs. Even if the asbestos is not actively disturbed, the mere presence of it can significantly reduce the market value of your home. For homeowners looking to sell, leaving asbestos untreated could result in a much lower sale price or difficulty selling altogether.

3. Legal and Financial Liabilities

In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the UK, there are strict regulations regarding asbestos. If you own a commercial building or rental property, you may be legally required to remove asbestos to protect the health and safety of tenants or employees. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines, lawsuits, and liability for any illnesses that arise due to exposure. Even if you are not required by law to remove asbestos, failing to address the issue could lead to costly legal battles in the future.

4. Deterioration and Further Damage

Over time, asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate, particularly in areas with high moisture or where materials are subject to wear and tear. Asbestos-containing insulation, for example, can crumble, releasing fibers into the air. Similarly, asbestos-containing tiles, roofs, or pipes can break or crack, allowing fibers to become airborne. The longer asbestos is left in place, the more likely it is that it will degrade, posing a greater danger to everyone in the vicinity.

The Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal

Given the dangers associated with asbestos, it is crucial to have any asbestos-containing materials professionally removed. The removal process requires specialised equipment, training, and expertise to ensure that the fibers are contained and disposed of safely. Here’s why professional asbestos removal is essential:

1. Safety and Compliance

Professional asbestos removal companies are trained to handle asbestos safely, following all regulatory guidelines. They are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), containment systems, and air filtration devices to prevent the release of fibers into the air. Removing asbestos improperly can lead to widespread contamination, so it’s crucial to have trained experts handle the job.

2. Proper Disposal

Asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations. Professional removal companies know how to properly package and transport asbestos-containing materials to authorised disposal sites. Attempting to dispose of asbestos improperly can result in environmental contamination and legal consequences.

3. Peace of Mind

Hiring a professional asbestos removal service gives homeowners and property owners peace of mind, knowing that the job is being handled by experts who understand the risks and proper procedures. The professionals will assess the extent of the contamination, develop a plan for safe removal, and ensure that all risks are mitigated.

4. Long-Term Health Benefits

By removing asbestos, you reduce the likelihood of exposure and protect the health of your family, tenants, or employees. This can significantly lower the risk of asbestos-related diseases in the future. The removal of asbestos is an investment in long-term health and well-being.

Conclusion: Don’t Take Risks with Asbestos

Asbestos is a silent killer, lurking in many homes and buildings, posing a hidden danger to those who live or work in close proximity. Ignoring the risks associated with asbestos or opting to leave it in place can have devastating health, financial, and legal consequences. It’s crucial to act quickly and responsibly if you suspect that your property contains asbestos.

If you’re unsure whether your property has asbestos, consider contacting a professional asbestos inspector who can assess the situation and provide guidance. The sooner you address the issue, the less likely you are to face serious health problems or other risks in the future. Remember, asbestos exposure can lead to long-term, irreversible damage—removal is the only way to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe from its harmful effects.

Take the necessary steps today to protect your health and property, and ensure that asbestos no longer poses a threat to your well-being.