You've probably heard that long-term exposure to asbestos can often be deadly. What is it though? The term is used to describe particular fibrous minerals that show stength, insulating and fire-proof qualities. These qualities have led to asbestos being widely used in construction for years in things like roof coatings, tiles and fences, sheeting, piping, car components like clutches, brake pads and transmission parts as well as mill and roll board.

If you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibres then exposure over a period of time can lead to a number of health concerns. Exposure over time has proven to damage lungs significantly because each time it is inhaled the small fibres stick to lung walls.

The fibres stuck to the lung walls can cause diseases like pleural plaques, mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you're a smoker than the chances of getting one of these diseases following exposure to asbestos are much higher.

Below is some information about the major diseases caused by long-term exposure to asbestos:-

Asbestosis

This is a serious and progressive lung disease. It happens when asbestos is breathed in over time and the particles irritate the lungs and cause scarring. This scarring makes it more difficult for oxygen to go from the lungs into the blood stream.

The most common symptoms of this disease are a crackling sound when breathing in and shortness of breath.

At the time of publication there is no effective treatment for asbestosis.

For more facts see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestosis

Lung Cancer

This type of cancer is the biggest killer of all diseases related to asbestos. It most commonly occurs in workers who used to manufacture asbestos materials and those who worked with it on a regular basis.

Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer are breathing pattern changes and coughs. It is not unheard of to also have chest pains, anemia and difficulty breathing.

Further facts can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lung_cancer

Mesothelioma

This is a type of cancer that is rare and is found in the membrane of the heart, lungs, chest and abdomen. Just about 100% of the cases of this disease are caused because of asbestos exposure. Usually no signs of this disease rear their head until many years after exposure to asbestos has happened.

More information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a potentially deadly material and should be treated carefully. It is recommended hiring trained and educated asbestos removal specialists for any renovation project that involves asbestos so you minimise the chances of contracting these diseases.

If you suspect you might have one of these diseases you should contact a specialise in lung diseases.

For more information about asbestos and safely removing asbestos from your home visit Removing Asbestos Exposure.