When considering how dangerous asbestos exposure is, you need to separate fact from fiction.
It’s a naturally occurring mineral that can nonetheless lead to severe health complications. The problem with asbestos is that it can become lodged in your lungs if you inhale the asbestos fibers. It could take 10, 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years between exposure and serious illnesses like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is especially deadly. It’s a cancer that’s rare, aggressive, and without a cure. People diagnosed with the disease often have a life expectancy of less than two years. The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, s for 80% of cases and is the result of inhaling asbestos fibers.
Unfortunately, homes built before 1989 may have products–like floor tiles, roofing systems, and siding–containing asbestos fibers. All it takes is one exposure to increase one’s risk of developing a severe sickness.
The good news is that there’s now a ban prohibiting the use of asbestos in the U.S. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear. If you own an older home, asbestos products could be in your residence.
Since knowing facts from fiction is essential, here are five errors about asbestos exposure you should know.
1. Asbestos Is No Longer an Issue
While asbestos is now banned in the U.S. and various other parts of the world, that doesn’t mean the asbestos threat is no more. Homes built before 1989 may have materials with asbestos. That’s one reason people with older homes must be careful when tackling renovation projects.
For instance, breaking flooring tiles or removing attic insulation could expose you to asbestos. Once those fibers are loose, they can get into people’s lungs.
2. A Little Asbestos Exposure Won’t Hurt
Another myth that you should never fall for is that a little exposure, or even a single exposure, is nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, even a small exposure can be enough to lead to severe health complications down the road.
, it can take decades between exposure and full-blown illness. And, yes, even one incident of asbestos exposure is enough to jeopardize your health. If you suspect such exposure, it’s essential to your doctor to see how they suggest you proceed.
3. Only People Working in Certain Industrial Environments Face Asbestos Exposure Risks
If only that were true. But it’s not. While people in certain industries face a higher risk of asbestos exposure, it’s inaccurate to suggest that the risks are non-existent outside of these sectors.
Job sectors where the risks are highest include construction workers, shipbuilders, and U.S. Navy . It’s essential to that you can face exposure even at home. And secondary exposure is possible should you share a residence with someone working in a high-risk environment.
4. You Can Tell Something Has Asbestos By Looking at It
Another misconception to dismiss right away is any notion that you can tell if something has asbestos just by staring at it. The reality is that asbestos is usually mixed with other things. So, you won’t be able to tell just by looking at it.
That’s why you should hire a company specializing in testing for asbestos if you suspect your home might contain materials with asbestos.
5. Wetting Down Asbestos Will Eliminate Risks
Drenching asbestos-containing products with water can help prevent some of the fibers from getting airborne. But you can’t guarantee that no asbestos fibers will become airborne and endanger people in your home. So, it can still present a serious risk if you’re not careful.
Don’t fall for any of these asbestos myths. Asbestos presents a severe danger. You must know about the risks and how to reduce your chances of exposure.