Is asbestos hazardous to your health? Can it cause diseases?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is in fact a human carcinogen, and that breathing high levels of asbestos can increase the risk of lung membrane cancer (mesothelioma), scar tissue in the lungs (asbestosis), and cancers of the stomach, pancreas, and kidneys.
Asbestos fibers break easily into a dust that can float in the air, stick to clothes, and be inhaled or swallowed. These ingested fibers can then become trapped in airways and lung tissue, resulting in lung infections, shortness of breath, coughing of blood, pain in the chest or abdomen, and significant weight loss. Cancers from asbestos typically do not develop immediately but show up after a significant amount of time; the latency period for mesothelioma is often 1530 years.
Research has not determined a safe level of exposure, but it is known that the greater and longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestosrelated disease. However, asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance be performed to monitor its condition. It is only when asbestos containing materials are disturbed or damaged that it becomes hazardous.
Other Asbestos FAQs
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What is asbestos and what is it used for?
Asbestos is a group of fibrous, naturally occurring minerals found in soil and rock that can be separated and spun into long threads. The three most common types of … more -
Who is most likely to be at risk?
Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some point during their life. Drinking water may contain asbestos from natural sources, or from … more -
Has the federal government made regulations to decrease asbestos exposure?
Yes. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; however, uses established prior to 1989 are still permitted. … more -
Can I file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
Although the EPA has made regulations to promote protection from asbestos, and organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) … more
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