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Asbestos is one of the common materials that is still found in commercial and residential buildings of the UK that were built or refurbished before 2020. It was strong, cheap, and insulated material that was used in more than 3,000 products, right from asbestos cement to insulation, mattresses, and coatings. However, it is also a dangerous material causing serious health issues and fatal diseases due to which it was completely banned in the construction industry of the UK in 1999.
Dangers of asbestos
Asbestos contains fibrous material, which is released into the air when the material containing asbestos is damaged or disturbed. These fibres cause serious and fatal lung and respiratory diseases when inhaled. The diseases are not immediately diagnosed, but take a long time to develop.
This why disturbing asbestos is dangerous and not a wise idea and should always be done by professionals who have fully trained staff to demolish, clear, and replace asbestos quickly and efficiently. They also dispose of the asbestos waste at government-approved locations ensuring no harm is done to the neighbourhood and the environment.
Fatal diseases caused by asbestos
Inhaling the fibres present in asbestos can cause serious and life-threatening diseases.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a dangerous lung disorder marked by scarring that typically develops after years of prolonged and high-level exposure to asbestos. Prolonged problems of shortness of breath may be a symptom of this illness, which in extreme situations can turn fatal.
Mesothelioma
Our lower digestive tract is surrounded by Pluera which is the lining of the lungs and Peritoneum, the lining around the lower digestive tract. Asbestos causes Mesothelioma, which is a kind of cancer affecting both these linings. This type of cancer is often caused due to prolonged exposure to asbestos and by the time it is detected, it is almost life-threatening.
Thickening of the pleura
The problem of pleural thickening usually arises due to prolonged asbestos exposure. Pleura which is the lining of the lung gets thick and swells. Shortness of breath and chest pain may result if this condition worsens and the lungs can get squeezed.
Lung cancer due to asbestos
Lung cancer caused due to asbestos looks the same as lung cancer caused due to smoking and other factors. It is anticipated that there is at least one lung cancer for death due to mesothelioma. People who smoke and are also exposed to fibres of asbestos are at greater risk to develop lung cancer.
Common types of asbestos found in the UK
The dangers of asbestos were known much before it was completely banned in the UK in 1999 due to which few types of asbestos were banned even earlier in the 1980s.
There are three types of asbestos commonly found in UK building construction.
- Blue – crocidolite
- Brown – amosite
- White – chrysotile
The blue and brown asbestos used in the UK were considered the most dangerous kinds of asbestos and hence, were banned in 1985. White asbestos was used until it was finally banned in 1999. It was only after the complete ban in 1999 that manufacturing and supplying of asbestos products were considered illegal in the UK.
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Types of asbestos causing diseases
There are six types of asbestos identified belonging to the mineral families of amphibole and serpentine.
The family of amphibole mineral
The amphibole family contains five types of asbestos with sharp and long chain-like structures that can be easily inhaled. The amphibole asbestos includes:
Actinolite asbestos
It is dark in colour with needle-like fibres and enters the lungs easily. They were used in cement, paints, insulation materials, and sealants.
Anthophyllite asbestos
This is yellow, sharp, and is easy to inhale. It was not found in consumer goods but in some cement and insulating materials
Amosite asbestos
This is also known as brown asbestos and is one of the most dangerous types. It is widely used for making buildings and is also found in cement, roofing, tiles insulation materials, gaskets, plumbing, and thermal insulation.
Crocidolite
It is the blue asbestos that was used extensively in the UK and is extremely hazardous. It was mostly used in cement, tiles, and materials for insulation.
Tremolite asbestos
It is known for resisting heat and causes lung cancer. It can be milky white or dark green and was found in paints, insulation, sealants, roofing, and plumbing materials.
The family of serpentine mineral
Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most common type of asbestos that was earlier used in the UK. It was known for its heat-resistant properties and loose fibres that can also be used for making fabrics. This asbestos is found in most fireproofing and insulation products as well as rubber, textiles, plastics, cement, brake linings, and clutches.
Healthcare professionals claim that any form of asbestos is dangerous as it is carcinogenic and any level of asbestos exposure is not safe. This is why it is extremely important to hire professionals for demolishing or replacing asbestos who carry out the process with complete safety and protection.