Important Asbestos Facts That you Ought to be Aware Of to Stay Safe and Informed
Asbestos is a category of heat-resistant material that were used ages ago in America during construction works. It goes without mentioning a material that is heat-resistant and fibrous may not be very safe when humans are exposed to it no wonder it has led to a myriad of medical conditions. Statistics have it that over 2 million tons of this harmful products are consumed and get exposed to humans throughout the world. In a world where asbestos seem to be everywhere, no doubt it would be best to familiarize yourself with some hard truths and facts about asbestos as explained here.
Fact one about asbestos is that they can be found anywhere and everywhere that you could ever imagine. You can find asbestos in the soil, water, and air from the erosion of any materials that contain these harmful ingredients. Mines, factories and heaps of wastes are also known to harbor harmful asbestos particles. But you should know that the air you breath is the biggest form of exposure that you get when it comes to asbestos. It is no wonder you need to do thorough asbestos testing to ensure you are not exposed to these harmful particles.
Did you know that exposure to asbestos can lead to clubbing of the fingers and toes? This is a serious medical condition characterized by the hardening and thickening of the skin beneath and surrounding the fingernails. The clubbing is attributed to a compromised supply of blood towards the toes and fingers no wonder they will appear bulbous, deformed, or club-like on physical examination. It is highly recommended you seek urgent medical attention should you notice any slight change in the appearance of your fingers and toes. As you continue to research more on asbestos, you will discover that continuous exposure to the same can lead to cancer. More research is required, but you should know that cancer is a life-threatening condition especially when it is mesothelioma and such like deadly types of cancers. Worst of all is the fact that it can take years and sometimes even decades for cancer symptoms to appear so it is best to be safe than sorry.
You have probably seen it on a website that deals with asbestos facts that it cannot be broken down into any chemical property known to man. In other words, they cannot be metabolized nor absorbed by the body. Now you understand why some signs and symptoms may start to show their ugly face sometimes even after 50 years of exposure. Now, when you have all this information with you, you will be better placed to make the right decisions when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones.