Understanding the Risk of Brown Asbestos
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on November 28, 2024
Asbestos has been well-established as a highly toxic substance that is no longer legal to use in Canada. Although asbestos used to be a popular choice for fireproofing, insulation and other building applications, it is no longer seen as such. As a result of its previous popularity, asbestos still lurks in many old buildings and homes that were built in the 1980s or earlier. Many of these buildings now require asbestos removal in order to become safe and inhabitable. All kinds of asbestos, especially brown asbestos, are known for causing numerous adverse health effects, including lung disease and cancers. This is why it is crucial that property owners invest in asbestos inspections as soon as they notice any signs of brown asbestos. If you do spot any asbestos fibres or notice chronic respiratory problems, contact Canada’s Restoration Services for an asbestos inspection and mold removal services. Call now!
What is Brown Asbestos?
Brown asbestos refers to a highly fibrous asbestos variety. The name is indicative of its appearance as this particular variety is brown in colour; however, the proper name for brown asbestos is actually Amosite asbestos. This asbestos variety was most commonly used in cement sheets, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles and floorboards. Although all types of asbestos are known to cause cancer and health issues, brown asbestos is a highly concerning variety as it crumbles very easily. So when it is disturbed, tiny fibres can fill the air very quickly.
Health Risks Associated with Brown Asbestos
Brown asbestos is known for its impact on the respiratory system and the lungs specifically. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can get lodged in the lungs, resulting in damage and the growth of cancerous cells. Specifically, brown asbestos can cause:
- Asbestosis: Brown asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs, causing chronic inflammation and scarring, which stiffens lung tissue and reduces respiratory function.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure to brown asbestos damages lung cells, leading to DNA mutations that significantly increase the risk of cancerous tumours.
- Mesothelioma: Occurs when the sharp fibres of brown asbestos are embedded in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, also known as the mesothelium, causing cellular damage that leads to aggressive, incurable cancer.
Asbestos-related diseases often have a long latency period, meaning that these illnesses may manifest years after exposure. This is why it is crucial to address asbestos as soon as possible. The sooner you remove asbestos, the lower your risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
Oftentimes, many individuals are completely unaware that they have asbestos in their property. This is why you must be aware of the common signs that you may have been exposed to asbestos. Some of the common signs of asbestos exposure include:
- Persistent coughing or hacking
- Shortness of breath
- Heaviness in the chest
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or feeling weak
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood
- Seeing fibrous materials emerging from ceilings, walls or floors
The Importance of Safe Asbestos Removal
As mentioned above, there are many serious health risks associated with exposure to brown asbestos. So, if you ever notice any signs or symptoms of brown asbestos, you must call in a professional removal team to remediate it. Brown asbestos is extraordinarily fibrous and fragile, allowing fibres to spread around your home relatively easily if agitated. This is why you should never touch or attempt to remove asbestos by yourself, as you risk spreading it around your home and into the air.
A professional asbestos removal company will have the experience, equipment and disposal procedures necessary to facilitate safe removal without risking the spread of asbestos. Call in the professionals at Canada’s Restoration Services to effectively eliminate the risks of brown asbestos exposure.
Mitigate Brown Asbestos Risks with Canada’s Restoration Services
Overall, brown asbestos is highly dangerous due to its fibrous build. Touching or agitating this type of asbestos can result in the spread of fibres. Given the fact that inhaling asbestos fibres is what results in diseases like mesothelioma, it is best to leave asbestos removal in Ottawa to the experts. If you experience any signs or symptoms of brown asbestos exposure, contact Canada’s Restoration Services. Our team will ensure that a thorough asbestos inspection is conducted prior to removal to ensure that every inch of your house is safe. Call now to book an inspection in Ottawa!
