Asbestos exposure: frequently asked questions
August 11, 2008
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Brandie Weikle
EDITOR, HEALTHZONE.CA
Asbestos debris littering the area around the Sunrise propane facility kept thousands of residents away from their homes Sunday night. It’s not yet known if the hazardous material came from some of the older buildings at the Sunrise facility, or from the homes affected by the blast.
Here’s what you need to know about the health risks of asbestos:
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral mined for its insulating properties. It’s used as a thermal insulator in houses and other buildings, as a fire-proofing material and is contained in various other building materials. Asbestos-containing “vermiculite” insulation was commonly used in home construction between 1920 and 1990, and can often be found in attics.
How can it harm people?
Left undisturbed behind walls, asbestos poses little risk at all. But microscopic bundles of the fibres can become airborne during demolition, renovation or – in this case – explosion. Once airborne, asbestos can be inhaled.
What happens if I inhale asbestos?
Asbestos can cause a condition called asbestosis, scarring of the lungs that makes breathing laboured, as well as a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen known as mesothelioma, and lung cancer. There are also known links between asbestos and a number of other cancers.
How risky is it?
The percentage of asbestos in vermiculite insulation is actually fairly low, and left alone, or tightly bound in products such as floor tiles or siding, the insulation poses little danger at all. Once disturbed, according to Health Canada, the chances of developing a related health problems depend on:
- the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air;
- how long the exposure lasted;
- how often you were exposed;
- the size of the asbestos fibres inhaled; and
- the amount of time since the initial exposure.
What does it mean if my home is in the vicinity of the Sunrise propane blast?
Asbestos illnesses usually follow frequent and prolonged exposure. However, if you’re concerned about asbestos you may have inhaled after the blast, talk to your doctor, refrain from smoking, and avoid second-hand tobacco smoke and any other irritant that could affect your lungs. Smoking combined with asbestos risks greatly increases the changes of developing lung cancer.
Heed police closures and do not enter the areas still cordoned off. Once back at home, do not touch any debris from pressed board or particle matter. Police advise residents to call 416-808-2222 to have the material analyzed.
Sources: Health Canada, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency