If you inhale any of these of asbestos fibres, it can cause serious diseases to the lungs, and other vital organs. These problems may not appear until years after the exposure has occurred. Asbestosis can cause a build-up of scar-like tissue in the lungs and result in the loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and in some cases death. We advise you dont touch asbestos or anything related. This should be carried out by a professional body, who can safely remove and dispose of any unwanted asbestos.
There are four main diseases caused by asbestos:
- Mesothelioma (which is always fatal)
- Lung cancer (almost always fatal)
- Asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be very debilitating)
- Diffuse pleural thickening (not fatal).
According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-related conditions are responsible for around 4,000 deaths a year.