Asbestos danger is not always present even when asbestos is. In some cases, being in close proximity to asbestos is not inherently harmful. However, in other cases, asbestos exposure can be deadly.

The real asbestos danger comes when individuals come into contact with asbestos fibers and these fibers enter the body through breathing.

When asbestos fibers are airborne, the fibers may be trapped in the mucous membranes of the body, especially in the nose and the throat.

Sometimes, these fibers are filtered out through natural bodily processes such as sneezing and coughing that helps expel the fibers. The asbestos danger mounts when these fibers bypass the nose and mouth and travel to the lungs or the body’s digestive tract.

Once the asbestos fibers are trapped in the body, this is where the asbestos danger begins.

Asbestos Danger in Buildings

Not all asbestos poses an equally potential hazard. The biggest asbestos danger is when asbestos is in a state called “friable.” This means that the asbestos material can easily crumble in a person’s hand. The asbestos fibers can escape from the crumbled material.

Asbestos insulation that is sprayed on a surface is considered highly friable, while asbestos floor tile is not considered friable.

Other building materials only become friable and release fibers when they are disturbed. These include things like ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roof shingles, fire doors and shingles on building siding,

Building renovations often are the main culprits behind causing asbestos exposure. When asbestos containing materials are drilled, hammered, sawed, buffed or are otherwise penetrated or broken, asbestos fibers are released into the air.

The normal deterioration of building materials as well as any damage sustained can increase the amount of friability in materials that contain asbestos.

Other things such as water damage in a building or continuous vibration affecting the building materials may increase the likelihood that asbestos fibers are released.

Health Effects of Asbestos Danger

Three main health conditions result from asbestos exposure. This happens because the body cannot break down asbestos fibers once they are lodged in the body, therefore they can cause disease.

One such condition is called asbestosis. This is a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the lung tissues which then leads to scarring. Shortness of breath and lung “crackling” sounds can be heard in the lungs.

Asbestosis is noncancerous, but it is serious. If asbestosis is advanced, the condition can result in heart failure.

The other two main health effects of asbestos exposure are cancers and are often referred to interchangeably, however, they are distinct health conditions.

The first cancer related to asbestos exposure is lung cancer and is responsible for the most number of deaths linked to exposure of the fibers. Those in certain occupations have a greater chance of developing lung cancer, such as workers in the manufacturing, milling and mining industries.

The second cancer related to asbestos exposure is known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelial lining, a thin membrane that encases the lungs, chest and abdomen and sometimes also the heart. Nearly every single case of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure.

Other cancers may also be associated with asbestos exposure, but they are less likely. There is some indication that cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, colon, stomach and even kidney may be linked to asbestos exposure.

Additionally, three main factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing asbestos-related health issues.

Being exposed to a great amount of asbestos or being exposed for a long period of time is a significant factor, being a smoker and being younger when exposed to asbestos can all contribute to an increased likelihood of developing asbestos-related disease.