Trusted Mold Inspections & Environmental Testing in Athens, GA

Asbestos Exposure and Your Health Asbestos exposure can lead to a variety of health problems, most notably lung disease. If you've been exposed to asbestos at work, talk to your doctor about how you can protect yourself and slow the progression of asbestos-related disease. What is asbestos? Asbestos is a family of six naturally occurring mineral fibers. These fibers are well-known for their strength as well as their resistance to fire and chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos has been used in the manufacturing and construction industries to: • Strengthen cement and plastics. • Provide insulation. • Fireproof buildings, textiles and military vehicles. • Absorb sound. Asbestos fibers come in a variety of colors. The white chrysotile fibers are the most frequent in the US. What else increases the risk of asbestos related disease? Factors that affect your risk of developing asbestos-related disease: • Duration: How long you were exposed to the asbestos. • Intensity: How much asbestos you were exposed to. • Type of industry: Lower risk if asbestos is bonded into a product (such as walls or tiles); higher risk if asbestos is released into the air, such as during sawing or drilling. • Personal risk factors: Smoking or pre-existing lung disease. • Genetic mutations: Gene change that makes it more likely you’ll develop a disease.