Leaving asbestos untreated

Leaving asbestos untreated: What are the risks?

If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume you’ve heard of asbestos. Most people understand that it is a harmful substance that is found in older homes and buildings. But do you know the risks of leaving asbestos untreated? Any building that was constructed before the year 2000 could contain asbestos. If not removed professionally, it can cause serious problems for your property and your health. If you suspect asbestos is present in your home or at your workplace, you need to sort it as soon as possible.

What are the risks?

Nowadays, it’s unlikely that people will be exposed to asbestos. But those that previously worked in the construction or building industry may have been in the past. If your work may put you at risk, it is important to ensure an appropriate survey is completed, to protect everyone involved. The most important thing to remember is if you find asbestos, do not leave it untreated.

Serious health conditions

When high levels of asbestos are inhaled, it can cause serious health issues. Particularly in the lungs.
As asbestos ages, it begins to release fibres into the air. These fibres are highly toxic and can lead to asbestos-related conditions such as:

• Pleural thickening /plaques – A condition that causes large areas of the lungs to become thickened.
• Asbestosis – A fibrosis of the lungs that gets worse over time.
• Mesothelioma – A type of cancer that begins in the lungs.
• Asbestos-related lung cancer – A tumour in the lung caused by exposure to asbestos materials.

What are the symptoms?

It can be difficult to identify specific symptoms, as the effects of asbestos exposure are slow and can be linked to many other medical issues. However, if you have any of the following symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, contact your doctor straight away.

• Shortness of breath
• A cough that gets worse over time
• Pain in the chest
• Extreme fatigue
• Wheezing, or hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing

You may not realise the problem straight away
Low amounts of asbestos in the air will not generally cause harm. But if left untreated, it is impossible to know how many fibres are in the air around you. This causes a problem as you won’t be aware of the damage being caused. If you have been exposed to high levels of asbestos, it may not be apparent straight away. Often, the symptoms of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos can take 30-40 years to materialise. By this time, the damage is irreversible.

Expert asbestos removal

Not everyone is an asbestos expert. But at JB asbestos, we are. That’s why we provide our clients with user-friendly reports that clearly explain our findings and what needs to happen next. A survey will give you peace of mind, protect your health, and ensure you are adhering to regulations.

You may find the answer to your question on our FAQ page. To book a survey or to discuss any asbestos-related issues, get in touch with our expert team today.