Asbestos is one of the most dangerous occupational exposures known. It causes serious, often fatal illnesses. It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 people exposed to asbestos in Finland, and asbestos diseases still cause hundreds of deaths every year.
How does exposure occur?
Exposure to asbestos by breathing asbestos fibers in the air. Fibers are released into the air when asbestos-containing material:
- Dismantled or broken
- We drill, saw or grind
- Processed without protection
- Wears or corrodes over time
Intact asbestos material is not an immediate health risk - danger arises when the material is processed and fibers are released into the breathing air. That's why asbestos survey is so important before renovation.
Diseases caused by asbestos
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a lung connective tissue disease in which asbestos fibers cause scarring of the lung tissue. It weakens lung function and causes shortness of breath. Asbestosis usually develops Within 10-30 years of exposure.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but almost always fatal cancer that develops in the pleura, peritoneum or pericardium. It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure. Latency time is typically 20-50 years.
Lung cancer
Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. When combined with smoking, the risk multiplies. Asbestos-related lung cancer is one of the most common asbestos-related diseases.
Lung diseases
Exposure to asbestos can cause thickening of the pleura (pleural plaques) and fluid accumulation in the pleura. These are often asymptomatic but can cause shortness of breath.
Risk level
The magnitude of the health risk depends on several factors:
- Duration of exposure - long-term exposure is more dangerous
- Fiber content - the more fibers in the air, the greater the risk
- Asbestos type - amphibole asbestos (crocidolite, amosite) are more dangerous than chrysotile
- Individual factors - smoking increases the risk significantly
How to protect yourself?
The best protection is prevention:
- Do an asbestos survey before the renovation
- Never disassemble suspect materials yourself
- Use an authorized removal company
- If you suspect you have been exposed, see an occupational health doctor
Asbestos survey is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from asbestos exposure during renovation.