We all heard of Asbestos and the horrible consequences it has in our health. Exposure to Asbestos is one of the most popular reasons for having a disease of a lung cancer. Asbestosis is “a form of lung disease (pneumoconiosis)” which causes interstitial fibrosis or scarring of the lungs. People who have exposure to asbestos will probably develop a lung cancer. Most cases take 15 to 20 years to develop after exposure. A long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs due to asbestos are called Asbestosis. Asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest pain. Complications may include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber with several beneficial characteristics which made it very popular. Asbestos fibers are very malleable, and therefore very easy to incorporate into various products. In addition, the material is naturally a great insulator, resistant to fire and chemical erosion, and is very strong. It’s because of these characteristics that asbestos was known as the “magic mineral” and added into so many building supplies. Asbestos is commonly found in ultramafic rock, including serpentine, and near fault zones. The amount of asbestos that is typically present in these rocks can be usually less than 1.
Could your home contain asbestos? In British Columbia, thousands of homes built before 1990 still have materials that may include asbestos - but spotting it isn’t easy.
Do I Need an Asbestos Inspection Before Selling a Home in Vancouver?