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Are Small Quantities of Asbestos Harmful?

Asbestos is a type of mineral that is a known carcinogen. For many years, prior to the widespread knowledge of asbestos-related illnesses, asbestos was used in a variety of building materials, ranging from insulation to cement to certain types of fabrics. While not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop a cancer or pulmonary illness, many will.

  1. Risks

    • Asbestos exposure can lead to pulmonary illnesses like pleural thickening and asbestosis, as well as cancers of the lung, GI tract, mesothelioma and, in very rare cases, testicular cancer.

    Encapsulated Asbestos

    • Asbestos-laden materials are most dangerous when they are damaged, allowing asbestos fibers to become airborne. These fibers, when inhaled, can cause lung damage and cancer. When the asbestos is encapsulated, however, it is generally considered safe to be around.

    Safety

    • According to both the EPA and OSHA, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

    Development

    • After being exposed to asbestos, it can take decades for health problems to manifest. In the case of asbestos-caused cancers like mesothelioma, it may take as long as 50 years for the cancer's first symptoms to be detected.

    Minimizing Risks

    • You can minimize the risk of asbestos exposure by not undertaking any home-renovation projects (older homes may contain asbestos-laden materials) and avoiding any materials that may contain asbestos, such as old insulation or floor tiles. Living in close proximity to factories or mines that dealt with asbestos can also put a person at risk.

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