Is Asbestos Always Dangerous?

Asbestos has been banned in numerous countries because its dangerous nature is a well known fact, but what is less understood are the various nuances associated with its risks. Is asbestos always dangerous? Will it always cause debilitating disease?

The answer isn't as straightforward as a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. As licensed asbestos contractors, Cordtape Environmental understands its risks implicitly; it is our duty to spread awareness to protect those who may come into contact with asbestos, regardless of why it happened or how brief the encounter may have been.

When is asbestos dangerous?

The key danger of asbestos arises when it is disturbed and its fibres become airborne. Breathing in these microscopic particles can lead to serious lung diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure.

The health risks associated with asbestos are significantly higher in specific situations:

1. Damaged or decaying materials: Over time, asbestos-containing materials can degrade, especially if they’re exposed to environmental factors like moisture or physical impact. When these materials break down, they release harmful fibres into the air.
   
   
2. Renovation and demolition projects: Disturbing materials that contain asbestos, such as in older buildings, can easily release fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos during these activities are at a higher risk of developing health issues.
   
   
3. Improper handling or disposal: If asbestos is not handled or disposed of correctly, it can lead to contamination in the surrounding environment, putting people at risk.
   
   

The risks of asbestos exposure

Exposure to asbestos can lead to a range of serious health risks, both for those who directly handle or remove asbestos and for the general public who live or work in environments where asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are present.

The primary danger posed by asbestos is the inhalation or ingestion of its fibres. When these fibres find their way into the body, they can become lodged in organ tissues, triggering the development of severe, life threatening diseases. 

These health risks include:

• Cancers: Asbestos exposure is linked to several types of cancer, including laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It has also been associated with ovarian cancer, though the full range of cancers caused by asbestos remains uncertain.
  
  
• Asbestos related diseases: Chronic exposure to asbestos can result in conditions such as pleural thickening, atelectasis, and other serious respiratory diseases.
  
  
• Asbestosis: This condition is directly related to asbestos exposure and is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, a persistent cough, wheezing, fatigue, and chest and shoulder pain. These symptoms typically emerge 20 to 30 years after initial exposure.
  
  

Is short term asbestos exposure dangerous?

With the dangers of asbestos awareness so widely recognised, it’s easy to feel uneasy following short term exposure. If you have found asbestos containing materials in your property, for example, you may be concerned about the presence of fibres in your lungs but, in many cases, minor exposure to asbestos isn’t something to be concerned about.

It is rare to experience the symptoms of asbestos related diseases without cumulative build up of asbestos fibres in your lungs, however you can visit your local GP if you are concerned.

If you have recently been exposed to asbestos and notice any of the following symptoms developing over a period of time, you should visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible:

• Persistent shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
  
  

Is asbestos dangerous when left undisturbed?

While asbestos is dangerous when disturbed, it is important to note that not all asbestos containing materials are immediately hazardous. In fact, many materials that contain asbestos are considered not hazardous as long as they are undisturbed and in good condition.

For example, if asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are intact, unbroken, and not subject to wear and tear, the fibres remain securely trapped inside the material. In these cases, the risk of exposure is low.

In this instance, professional asbestos removal teams may recommend the following:

1. Encapsulation

In some cases, asbestos can be safely managed by encapsulating or sealing the material so that the fibres cannot escape. This method is often used in situations where removal would be costly or disruptive, provided it is regularly monitored to ensure it remains intact.

2. Professional Removal and Management

If the material poses a threat or is at risk of disturbance, for example it is subject to wear and tear, in the presence of children or vulnerable adults, or the property is undergoing a renovation project, then removal would be the most suitable option.

If asbestos containing materials need to be removed, it should always be done by a licensed and trained professional who follows strict safety protocols to limit exposure to harmful fibres.