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Did you just buy a house? If you have purchased an older home in Toronto, Asbestos removal is a must-do. Asbestos is a term that describes six naturally-occurring minerals found in rock and soil. These six minerals are amosite, anthophyllite, actinolite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite. Asbestos is a favourite among construction product manufacturers due to its resistance to heat, softness, resistance to chemicals, resistance to electricity, and its ability to break up easily into small fibres. These characteristics make it ideal for producing construction materials such as tiles and roofing shingles because it gives them weight and strength. Asbestos is also a primary additive in automotive parts and insulation materials. Unfortunately, because asbestos separates easily, it can break down into microscopic bits or fragments that can enter the respiratory system and cause health problems. For this reason, you must consider asbestos testing in your Toronto home, especially if you have bought a house that was constructed before the year 2000. 
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos poses a lot of health risks. Those who work in construction or asbestos mining firms, who serve as firefighters or military service members, or who live in homes with asbestos products are more likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Homeowners are at constant risk if their homes have materials made with asbestos. When it breaks and travels through the air, you can inhale it easily.
General symptoms of asbestos exposure often appear in the respiratory system, specifically the lungs. The main signs of asbestos exposure are wheezing, tightness in the chest, a dry cough, chest pain, and pleural effusion (the accumulation of fluid in the spaces surrounding the lungs).
Asbestos exposure can also affect other parts of the body such as the throat, colon, and stomach. As a result, those affected by it may exhibit sudden weight loss, constipation, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and pelvic pain.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos is responsible for two primary diseases; Asbestosis and Mesothelioma.
1. Asbestosis
This is a disease that affects the lungs. It causes scarring on the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to pass through into the bloodstream. This brings symptoms such as chest pain when breathing, a dry cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Asbestosis can also cause clubbing of fingers and nail deformities. Sadly, there is no cure for asbestosis because damage to the lungs is irreversible. However, treatments such as oxygen therapy, using an inhaler, and pulmonary rehabilitation help ease the symptoms and manage it.
2. Mesothelioma
This is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a membrane found in body cavities such as the chest and abdomen. It protects several body organs, including the lungs and heart. Symptoms of mesothelioma include a dry cough that leads to chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, and abdominal pain. Treatment of mesothelioma often depends on the stage of the disease. Malignant mesothelioma calls for surgery. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation.
Asbestos inspection and removal is the only way to guarantee that your Toronto home is a safe and risk-free place to live. Trust us for all your asbestos-related needs. Our reliable services ensure that your home is safe for you and your family.