
What is asbestos and why is it bad?
Asbestos is the generic name for 6 different fibrous minerals that occur in nature. There are two major groups of asbestos: serpentine and amphibole. Asbestos can be a hazard to health when the fibres are disturbed and airborne. That means that if you have asbestos in old flooring tile in the basement, it is okay if the tile is in good condition, not deteriorating and the fibres are not disturbed. Once they are disturbed and in the air, from ripping out the tile, for example, they can be breathed into the lungs and cause some serious health issues. When asbestos fibres are inhaled they are carried into the lower areas of the lung where they can cause fibrotic lung disease, also known as asbestosis. It can also cause harmful changes to the lining of the chest cavity. Both conditions can reduce respiratory function and even lead to death. Long-term exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma.What should I do if there is asbestos in a home?

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