Asbestos is a heat- and fire-resistant mineral that was commonly used in building materials like flooring, ceilings, roofs, and automotive parts. It wasn't until the 1950s that the connection between asbestos exposure and health became clear.
Asbestos is banned in 55 countries but continues to be imported and used in the United States, but at lower levels than in the past.
How are People Exposed to Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure happens in two main ways: by breathing the toxic particles in, or by accidentally swallowing (ingesting) them. These two types of exposure are associated with different types of asbestos. All asbestos exposure is dangerous.
Inhalation Exposure
When tiny bits of asbestos get into the air, they can be breathed directly into the lungs of people nearby. Types of asbestos with sharp fibers that can be easily inhaled include:
- Actinolite asbestos was used in products like cement, insulation, paint, and drywall.
- Amosite asbestos (brown asbestos) was commonly used in cement, insulation, roofing, and other construction materials.
- Anthophyllite asbestos is a less common type that can be found in cement and insulation materials.
- Crocidolite asbestos (blue asbestos) is the most dangerous type. The fine fibers are easy to inhale. It was used in cement, tiles, and insulation.
- Tremolite asbestos is heat-resistant and can be woven into fabric. It is no longer mined but was previously used in products like paint, sealants, insulation, roofing, and plumbing materials.
Ingestion Exposure
Asbestos fibers can also get into the mouth and be accidentally swallowed. Chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) can be inhaled but is the most common type associated with swallowing.
Although some companies argue that the chrysotile asbestos mined today is safe when used in certain products, health professionals maintain that all forms of asbestos are cancer-causing, and no level of exposure is safe.
How Does Asbestos Cause Cancer?
If you inhale or accidentally swallow asbestos, the microscopic fibers can get stuck in your lungs and stay there for years. Over time, they cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to cancer.
Most people don't show symptoms from asbestos exposure immediately. Early signs of asbestos exposure include vague symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Because symptoms are commonly associated with less serious conditions, many people don't seek medical attention right away.
Diseases caused by asbestos include:
Cancer or disease caused by asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop—anywhere from 20 to 50 years. When symptoms of asbestos exposure do appear, they often include:
- Anemia or a high white blood cell count
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath (dyspnea), coughing up blood, or persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Fever and loss of appetite
- Insomnia and night sweats
- Pain in the chest or lungs
- Unexplained weight loss
How to Get Rid of Asbestos
There are approximately 30 million homes and buildings in the U.S. with some form of asbestos-containing material. Understanding mesothelioma causes, risk factors, and prevention is key to living safely with asbestos.
In some cases, disturbing asbestos-containing materials to remove them is more dangerous than leaving them alone. Disturbing them releases the fibers into the air, which allows them to be inhaled. Leaving asbestos alone keeps you from inhaling the fibers.
If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, it's generally best not to touch them. But if the asbestos poses a health threat, it should either be repaired or removed. Only a licensed professional can test for asbestos and determine if removal is safe and necessary.
If you think your home has asbestos, call a licensed asbestos removal contractor for an inspection and test. Based on the results, they'll provide recommendations on whether the asbestos-containing material should be removed.
Asbestos Repair
Repairing asbestos requires encapsulation or enclosure. Encapsulation involves applying a sealant to asbestos materials to prevent the release of fibers. Enclosure covers the asbestos with airtight materials to contain the fibers and prevent their release.
Asbestos Removal
The U.S. federal government enforces strict asbestos removal guidelines. Licensed professionals take training courses and follow specific steps:
- Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent fibers from spreading.
- Run HEPA air filters and clean air exhaust ducts to clean the air within and outside the work area.
- Wear protective suits and respirators while removing asbestos.
- Inspect the area throughout the process to ensure complete removal.
- Place asbestos materials in labeled, double plastic bags.
Once removal is complete, the remediation team thoroughly cleans the area with HEPA vacuums and wipes it down. Asbestos materials must be sealed and taken to an approved disposal site. They are labeled as toxic, hazardous waste to ensure safe handling. Proper disposal prevents further health hazards and ensures the asbestos materials are undisturbed.
Asbestos Exposure Screening at Penn Medicine
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure—any exposure increases mesothelioma risk. Penn Medicine's Mesothelioma Program provides screening for people with increased risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung diseases. Accurate mesothelioma diagnosis and staging allows us to treat mesothelioma as early and effectively as possible.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or make an appointment.