How Dangerous is Asbestos? It is lethal!

I was recently helping a friend move and his roomate and him kept coughing, they were hacking up blood. When I inquired they told me they had been knocking down an old addition to their home and had inhaled asbestos. More than likely their home contains vermiculate insulation which may contain asbestos. Vermiculate insulation was used for about a span of sixty years, from the 1920's to the 1980's. Although today many items still contain small traces of asbestos. The dangers of asbestos were not eminent until the mid 1900's.

When materials containing asbestos are tampered with, it can lead to asbestos being let off into the air. Airborne asbestos is extremely dangerous and over time can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The first two are cancers that affect different areas of the lungs and the latter is where scar tissue is formed on the lungs. That is why it is important to have a professional do the job to help minimize any risk of harmful exposure to asbestos. If you are exposed to airborne asbestos it more than likely be caught in your airway passages and the asbestos fibers will coat your lungs cell walls. Your bodies natural defense mechanism will push out most of these long thin fibers by the coughing up of mucous. The dangerous fibers of asbestos that aren't removed may stay lodged in your lungs forever leading to the possible serious complications discussed above.

Tips for minimizing dangerous asbestos exposure

Never clean up or remove asbestos

Do your homework!

Find out what common products contain asbestos. Those popcorn ceilings that were very popular in the 80's have asbestos in them and should be removed by someone experienced and knowledgeable in the matter. Certain products are friable which means they can be crushed or pulverized causing an asbestos release. Non friable items have some sort of sealant to eliminate a dangerous release.

When remodeling hire a licensed contractor

He or she will take the necessary steps to limit you and your family's exposure.

And in case all you "do it your selfers"... weren't really listening.

Always consult a professional!

This isn't an area where you want to do it yourself to save a few bucks.

After reading this If you alreay didn't know, I now hope you understand how dangerous asbestos is!