5 Things To Know About an Asbestos Compound
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous compound that is heat, corrosion, and electricity resistant. This mineral compound can be found in rock and soil in open mine pits and underground. This material was used throughout much of the 20th century in manufacturing and home construction due to its properties, abundance, and cost-efficiency.
Asbestos exposure is a serious threat to home and business owners in the United States and around the world. The following reveals everything that you need to know to protect yourself and your family from asbestos exposure.
In the 1980s, asbestos was discovered to be highly dangerous and hazardous to health. It was revealed that breathing in asbestos fibers significantly increased the risk of serious illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, ovarian, and digestive cancers.
When Was Asbestos Compound Used?
Asbestos compound production began in the early 20th century and peaked worldwide in 1973 with the United States producing over 800,000 tons alone
Asbestos was used in the manufacturing of thousands of products and building materials.
Asbestos Was Used in the Construction of:
- Ceilings
- Floor Tiles
- Paper Products
- Automobile Parts
- Packaging
- Coating
- Roofing Shingles
- Window Glazing
- Siding
- Plaster
Asbestos was used in the construction of many houses built during the mid-20th century due to its low cost and effective insulation capabilities.
2.) It Can Take Decades for Asbestos Symptoms to Appear
Exposure to an asbestos compound is serious and potentially life-threatening. Diseases resulting from asbestos exposure may take years, or even decades to become apparent.
Signs of Asbestos Exposure Include:
- Cracking Sounds When Breathing
- Shortness of Breath
- Dry Cough
- Chest Pain
- Tightness in the Chest
- Rounded/Clubbed Fingers and Toes
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these or any other serious sign of asbestos-related illness.
3.) Only 40% of Victims Live More Than 1 Year After Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers are highly dangerous because they cannot simply be removed from the body. Once ingested, asbestos penetrate the body cavities due to its fibrous nature.
There are additional signs of serious illnesses that may present themselves after asbestos exposure occurs.
Other Signs of Asbestos-Related Illness Include:
- Coughing Up Blood
- Trouble Swallowing
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight-Loss
- Swelling in Neck/Face Region
A medical evaluation should be performed as soon as possible to diagnose and treat these symptoms. The earlier that you begin treatment, the more likely that you are to experience a positive outcome.
4.) 3000 New Cases of Mesothelioma are Diagnosed Every Year in the US
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. This type of cancer occurs in the lining of the stomach and/or the lungs. The average life expectancy is 12 to 21 months with treatment after diagnosis.
5.) 1.3 Million American Workers are Exposed to Asbestos
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of workplace deaths in the United States and worldwide. An estimated 27 million workers were exposed to asbestos during its peak production from 1940-1979. Many workers are still at risk of being exposed to asbestos even today.
High-Risk Asbestos Professions Include:
- Firefighters
- Construction Workers
- Power Plant Workers
- Manufacturing Employees
- Shipyard Workers
- Steel Mill Workers
- Textile Mill Workers
The risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-causing illnesses increases with the level of exposure to the compound.
What Should You Do If You Have Asbestos In Your Home or Place of Business?
Thousands of homes and businesses that were built during the 20th century were constructed using materials containing high amounts of asbestos. Asbestos for insulation in walls, pipes, roofing, A/C ducts, under flooring, and in numerous other home building materials.
Over time, these fibers loose and are inhaled by anyone who frequents these establishments. Asbestos will then penetrate the abdomen, lungs, has a high-potential of leading to serious life-threatening illnesses.
Contact a professional asbestos inspector at MD Mold Testing immediately if you suspect that asbestos may be present inside your home or business. MD Mold Testing will collect samples from various points inside your home or business and provide accurate results as to whether asbestos is present.
Our certified technicians are also qualified to help guide home and business owners through the next steps required in the asbestos removal process.
EPA Certified Asbestos Testing
Reach out today if you suspect their may be asbestos inside your home or place of business. MD Mold Testing is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform asbestos inspections.
