The danger of asbestos in the home is well documented. However, not everyone is fully aware of just how dangerous it is. It has been determined to cause a severe type of lung disease to those who have been exposed to it and have inhaled it. Lesser exposure has also been proven to lead to cancer in cumulative contact or inhalation. This is why the material was banned from use in construction materials. But it has been decades since the material has been banned. There are many who by now, have forgotten its danger and have become complacent in testing for asbestos or even worrying about its presence in buildings and houses. But now, in light of the recent tragedy that hit Japan, the danger of asbestos is pushed once again to the limelight.
The massive earthquake that hit Japan this year 2011 has shocked the world. Not only did the earthquake destroy so many buildings and lives, it caused massive tsunamis that desolated entire towns and also caused their nuclear power plant to leak dangerous radiation. Such a tragedy has caused the whole world to take arms in the fight to save Japan and assist its people. However, there is another danger that has silently made its way throughout the country. Inside the debris of houses, building and insulation materials that were destroyed shattered, and spread out by the massive waves is the danger of asbestos, a danger that people will be tempted to ignore especially since they are still facing the immanent danger of toxic nuclear radiation leakage.
The substance was detected by the nuclear activists who were taking samples from the devastation. As the moment this article is being written, the amount of asbestos fibers in the atmosphere is still low. However, it is expected to drastically go up once the debris are cleared up by heavy machinery. Why is this so? One needs to understand just how becomes dangerous.
Asbestos is only dangerous one it becomes disturbed
The debris of houses will be cleared up by bulldozers and heavy machinery. This will cause a lot of dust or fibers from the houses to become airborne. Asbestos only becomes dangerous at that state. This is why if you have for example asbestos in your walls, it will only become a health risk if you plan on renovating or disturbing the wall in a way that will make dust particles.
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