Can You Touch Asbestos?
Can you touch asbestos? If you have found asbestos materials in your home, do not touch or try to remove without first seeking professional guidance. If you touch or disturb asbestos, you risk releasing the fibers into the air.
When you are unsure whether or not asbestos is present in your home, it is important to get an asbestos survey. Professional asbestos removal companies can identify the presence of asbestos and determine if remediation, (removal) is necessary. If the asbestos is not disturbed, it can be left alone.
Asbestos is a Health Hazard
Some people worry about asbestos because they're afraid they'll get sick from being around it. Asbestos is not a health hazard if you do not touch it. When you come in contact with asbestos-containing products, you are likely to breathe in the fibers in the air. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause severe health problems.
Asbestos, (the silent killer) doesn't cause any immediate health effects, it takes years for symptoms to appear. If you notice symptoms, contact a doctor right away, and avoid further asbestos exposure. Homeowners often disturb asbestos when renovating or demolishing old buildings.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
The symptoms of asbestos exposure vary, depending on the amount of asbestos that you were exposed to and how long you were exposed. Some people have no symptoms at all, and others have symptoms that come years after the initial exposure. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, you should consult with a doctor immediately. Asbestosis is a very serious disease that can cause life-threatening complications.
Pleural effusion is a common symptom of asbestos exposure. Pleural effusions are fluid-filled sacs in the lungs that make it difficult to breathe. They typically clear up within 3 to four months, but they can recur and lead to a collapsed lung. Pleural effusions are common and can indicate a number of different types of diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Pleural effusion is the fastest-developing symptom after prolonged exposure, and it can develop in as little as a year.
Sources of Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos is a very dangerous mineral. Exposure to it can cause a wide variety of illnesses, the most common mesothelioma, a type of cancer. Asbestos fibers can enter the body through the air or swallowed through food, liquids, or saliva.
There are two main types of asbestos: crocidolite and amphibole. Actinolite asbestos is the most dangerous because it contains needle-like fibers. Crocidolite, also called blue asbestos, is found in Australian and African mines and is a strong, heat-resistant mineral. Another form is called tremolite, which was used in paint and friction materials.
Asbestos is hazardous, so it should only be handled by a licensed asbestos removal company. PPE should always be worn around asbestos, this includes disposable overalls, respirator, eye protection, and gloves.
Removing any type of asbestos material is not a DIY job. Always seek the guidance of a professional asbestos removal company in your local area.
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