The harmful effects of airborne asbestos on human health are well-recognized. Asbestos was preferred in the construction industry for many years due to its fire-resistant and durable fibrous panels. These advantageous properties led to widespread structure use, including walls, ceilings, and internal and external gutters.
Consequently, despite being banned as a construction material nationwide over three decades ago, asbestos remains present in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings nationwide. Given its extensive use in construction over time, there is a possibility that your home or business could be at risk.
This risk extends beyond merely affecting indoor air quality, as asbestos also impacts the surrounding environment in several ways. Here’s an overview of how asbestos contamination can affect health and the environment.
Risk Levels
Asbestos fibers can be either bonded or loose. When the material is bonded and remains in good condition, it poses minimal health risks. However, the health risks significantly increase if it becomes loose and damaged. Typically, asbestos fibers become disoriented when they are damaged, improperly handled, or due to wear and tear over time.
Asbestos fibers are usually bonded in applications like cement sheeting, making them more stable. Conversely, in materials such as pipe lagging and sprayed roof insulation, the fibers are not held within a stable matrix, making them more likely to be released into the air when disturbed.
Health and Environmental Effects
Fibers typically detach from buildings, landing on surfaces and floating in the air. Over time, these fibers enter water sources, contaminating and posing health risks to animals and humans. Prolonged and unsafe exposure to asbestos is associated with numerous well-known health effects.
Due to their small and lightweight nature, these fibers are easily inhaled and transported into the deeper parts of the lungs, causing respiratory issues. Besides inducing fibrotic lung disease (asbestosis), they irritate the lungs and chest cavity.
Such irritations are linked to severe conditions like mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the tissue lining the chest cavity. These diseases result in diminished respiratory function and increased resistance to blood flow through the lungs, which can cause heart enlargement and, ultimately, death. You can check websites like mesotheliomahope.com for free mesothelioma resources covering leading treatments and expert specialists.
Declining Water Quality
Asbestos was utilized not only as a construction material across the country but also to strengthen cement pipes and drainage systems, both within and outside buildings. Although asbestos enhanced the durability of concrete, it also posed a risk of contaminating water quality.
The deterioration of asbestos fibers can be accelerated by rapid water flow, potentially allowing asbestos dust to enter the water supply of your building and be consumed during activities such as bathing, cleaning, or drinking.
Deteriorating Soil Quality
Asbestos naturally occurs as silicate material found in rocks. Due to its natural presence, asbestos typically does not contribute to soil degradation. It appears to have no significant impact on underground plant or animal life.
The fibers can be safely contained underground, minimizing the risk to humans. However, when excessive asbestos dust accumulates in one location, often due to construction work or illegal dumping, disturbing the soil can release hazardous clouds into the air.
Asbestos fibers’ small and lightweight nature means that dust tends to settle on the ground’s surface. This is particularly true in areas with substantial construction or renovation activities. The wind can then spread these dust particles, extending far beyond the original site, which amplifies the environmental impact and poses an unnecessary risk to human respiratory health.
Endnote
Asbestos presents significant environmental dangers by polluting the air, water, and soil, which results in extensive health risks. Implement effective strategies to prevent additional harm and safeguard the environment and public health.
