Asbestos is the name given for some minerals that are made up of tiny, microscopic fibres. When these fibres are inhaled, they can be very harmful to your lungs.

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These are the main diseases associated with breathing asbestos fibres:

Pleural disease – non-malignant

Asbestosis – lung tissue scarring of a non-malignant nature

Asbestos-related Lung cancer

Mesothelioma – a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs

Prior to the danger to health being realized, asbestos was often used in building, in the form of insulation, flooring or roofing and sprayed onto the ceiling and walls. Today, it is prohibited and banned for use in the UK. However, buildings built before 2000 may still contain asbestos. If asbestos-containing material in the building remains intact, it poses very little risk. The danger arises when the material is moved, damaged, corrupted or removed when tiny asbestos fibres become released into the atmosphere and inhaled into the lungs.

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The dangers of asbestos become a reality when it comes to destroying older properties. It is essential that the companies involved in the demolition have experts on hand so that all work can be done in a way that is safe, healthy and regulated. For Asbestos Removal Essex, visit a site like Sperion, leaders in Asbestos Removal Essex.

The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases take years – even decades – to appear after the original exposure to asbestos, so long exposures may only appear as disease after several decades.