Dr. Sunil - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Sunil

Is Asbestos Bad For You?


Grade

F


Short answer

Asbestos is extremely dangerous and can cause many serious long-term health problems.

Grade

F


Long answer

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which was once revered for its durability, resistance to fire and heat, and insulation properties. Before the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in the construction of commercial buildings and homes. It was also included in many cement mixtures, paints, appliances, and fabrics.

However, asbestos is also incredibly dangerous to your health; it has been proven to cause mesothelioma cancer, as well as a plethora of other harmful lung disorders such as lung cancer, and pleural plaques and effusions when it becomes airborne and is inhaled. Its harmful effects were discovered in 1980 and use of the mineral declined significantly and was even banned in many countries. However, even today, more than thirty years after the dangers of asbestos were discovered, it causes more than forty thousand annual deaths around the world.

Asbestos poses the highest risk to your health if it is present in your home. If you live in a house or apartment building that was built before 1980, it is important that you hire a professional to check your living quarters for any sign of asbestos. It can easily and unknowingly become airborne and negatively impact your health.


Possible short-term side effects

  • shortness of breath
  • coughing

Possible long-term side effects

  • lung scarring
  • lung cancer
  • mesothelioma cancer
  • pleural effusions
  • pleural plaques




Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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