The Dangers of Asbestos - Renovation Home



The Dangers of Asbestos - Renovation Home

Between 1945 and 1980, asbestos materials were often used in the construction industry in Australia. Over time, people began to realize that this material was very toxic, and its use was reduced, until it was banned the same since December 31, 2003. However, many are at risk of asbestos diseases, especially construction workers.
Asbestos near Telstra hole in Morayfield, north of Brisbane. Photos taken December, 2013
An asbestos fragment found near the Telstra quarry in Morayfield, north of Brisbane. (Photo: archive, taken December, 2013) (Credit: ABC)

The asbestos material is highly toxic and can be a disease of lung, which can be deadly.

Although already banned in Australia, there is likely to appear the number of people suffering from asbestos-related lung disease, especially from among construction workers.

Asbestos is a group of natural minerals made from very small and fibrous crystals, including chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Asbestos comes from underground.

A few decades ago in Australia, asbestos was used for various construction purposes, such as for making fire buildings, and also used in roofing.

Asbestos fibers are so small that they can be inhaled to the lungs. The fibers can then be affected in the lungs and diseases that can be deadly, including lung shrinkage and mesothelioma lung cancer.

Thousands of Australians have died from asbestos-related illnesses.

Symptoms of lung disease can only be seen after 20-30 years can pasrah exposure to asbestos. The most vulnerable are those exposed to asbestos while working in the mining, manufacturing and construction industries. Currently, the most at risk in Australia are those who work tear down old buildings that still contain asbestos.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can injure and thicken the pleural lining of the lungs. The injured pleura can also enter the cavity between two pleural layers.
Pleural disease is not harmful, but can cause difficulty breathing.
While asbestosis disease is a wound in the lungs due to exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include a dry cough and bluish hue on the skin, due to lack of oxygen.

Lung cancer is more prevalent in those who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos. Symptoms include cough, weight loss and saliva and sputum. In general, faster diagnosis is better. Lung cancer is still in its early stages can be treated with surgery.

Mesothelioma is a lung cancer. A little exposure to asbestos can be this, but that does not mean exposure to asbestos must have mesothelioma.

With regard to home renovations, products with unshaven and intact asbestos are relatively safe, but dangerous when cut, drilled, or sanded, because through such a process the asbestos fibers can decompose and inhaled. Before renovating and tearing down the house, it is important to find out which products in the home contain asbestos.