Asbestos Health Risks

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Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers has been associated with several serious medical conditions.

These include:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Pleural thickening
• Pleural plaques

These conditions often develop slowly and may not appear until 20 to 40 years after exposure.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Even relatively small amounts of asbestos exposure can increase the risk of developing this disease.

Because symptoms may take decades to appear, early exposure often goes unnoticed.

Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in individuals who smoke.

When asbestos fibers become lodged in lung tissue, they can cause irritation and long-term damage that may eventually lead to cancer.

Workers in construction, demolition, and industrial environments historically experienced the highest levels of exposure.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers.

When fibers accumulate in the lungs, they can cause scarring of lung tissue. This scarring makes it more difficult for the lungs to expand and function properly.

Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Chest tightness
• Reduced lung function

Exposure most often occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.

Common situations where exposure may occur include:

• Removing old flooring materials
• Demolition projects
• Renovating older homes
• Scraping popcorn ceilings
• Removing pipe insulation

You can learn more about when asbestos becomes dangerous and how airborne fibers can affect indoor air quality.

Because asbestos fibers are microscopic, exposure can occur without visible dust or debris.

Professional asbestos removal involves specialized containment procedures designed to prevent fibers from spreading throughout a building.

These procedures may include:

• Containment barriers
• Negative air filtration systems
• Protective worker equipment
• Safe disposal of asbestos materials

Understanding asbestos removal costs can help property owners plan safe abatement projects when hazardous materials are discovered.

Many building materials used before the 1980s may contain asbestos fibers.

Examples include:

• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives such as black mastic
• Insulation around heating pipes
• Popcorn ceiling texture
• Cement siding and roofing materials

Learning how to identify asbestos can help homeowners recognize potential risks before starting renovation projects.

If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home or building, it is important not to disturb the material.

Professional asbestos testing can determine whether asbestos fibers are present and whether removal or containment may be necessary.

HB Environmental Services works with homeowners, contractors, and property managers throughout the St. Louis region to safely identify and remove asbestos-containing materials.