You have likely heard of asbestos in the past, but do you know what it actually is? Asbestos is actually a naturally occurring material. It is made of soft and flexible fibers that are completely heat resistant. Today, this is still used in all types of consumer products. Even though it is considered a dangerous substance, it is allowed if it makes up under one percent of the product in question.
Proper mitigation and removal are needed when asbestos is found in homes, buildings, or other locations. Also, once the material is removed, post abatement clearance testing Portland Oregon is required to ensure there is no harmful material left behind. That’s because asbestos has been proven to cause cancer and all types of other diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Origins of Asbestos
Asbestos can be found all over the world. However, the primary exporters include China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. This (now known to be toxic) material was also mined throughout North America too.
Diseases Related to Asbestos Exposure
Several studies have shown that asbestos exposure is directly linked to multiple diseases, which include cancer. For example, mesothelioma is one cancer that is only caused by exposure to asbestos. However, it can also cause laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer due to ongoing exposure.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure
There is no amount of asbestos exposure that is considered safe. However, the effects can be worse if someone is exposed to a large amount of the material or exposed to it over a long period of time. Asbestos can accumulate in your body each time you encounter it. Unfortunately, there is no way to undo the damage it causes.
Due to the dangers of asbestos, it is best to avoid it completely. If asbestos is present and removed, investing in the right testing to ensure the environment is safe is a must.