Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are non-conductive and resistant to fire, heat, and chemicals. These properties make asbestos very versatile and durable, and are the reason why it has been used in many applications, including construction, for decades. However, asbestos can be harmful to the health of those who come into contact with it and has been linked to cancer, which is why many people in the Bay Area turn to companies that provide asbestos abatement in San Francisco . Here is a closer look at the connection between asbestos exposure and cancer.

How Are Asbestos and Cancer Linked?
When asbestos is disturbed, some of its fibers can become airborne and then be inhaled. Once these fibers enter the lungs, they may stay there permanently. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning that it is recognized to cause cancer, so exposure to and inhalation of asbestos can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. According to The Mesothelioma Center , asbestos-related cancers affect nearly 8,000 people in the United States each year. In order to reduce cancer risk, it’s essential for homeowners to leave asbestos testing and asbestos removal to the professionals.

What Types of Cancer Are Associated with Asbestos?
The two types of cancer that are most commonly associated with asbestos are lung cancer and mesothelioma. There are approximately 4,800 asbestos-related cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the chest wall and the lining of the lungs, and there are about 3,000 new cases of this form of cancer diagnosed each year. Asbestos exposure is believed to be the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Other forms of cancer have also been linked to asbestos. These include colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, esophageal cancer, and kidney cancer.

Who Is at Risk for Cancer Due to Asbestos?
Individuals who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis over a long period of time are most at risk for asbestos-related cancer. Individuals who have worked with asbestos during construction and those who spend long periods of time in buildings with asbestos—especially asbestos that has been disturbed—are at greater risk for cancer. The amount of asbestos inhaled, the length of the exposure period, the makeup of the asbestos fibers, and the source of the asbestos fibers all impact a person’s risk of developing asbestos-related cancer. In addition, smoking and having lung disease can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer due to asbestos exposure. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, an asbestos abatement company can remove the material to help keep your family safe.

If you live in an older home or work in an older office building, you may be at risk for asbestos-related health conditions, including mesothelioma. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation and in other applications of home construction several decades ago. If you are concerned about your risk due to asbestos exposure, schedule asbestos abatement in San Francisco and read the following information about the link between asbestos and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the abdominal cavity. It is a rare type of cancer, but can be very deadly. Exposure to asbestos is thought to be the primary cause of this condition. The more asbestos fibers you breathe in during your lifetime, the greater your risk of developing mesothelioma becomes. Some of the symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, weight loss, dry cough, and shortness of breath. If you are concerned about your mesothelioma risk, contact a company that provides asbestos testing and, if necessary, schedule asbestos removal for your home. If you experience any of the symptoms of mesothelioma before or after the asbestos removal company visits your home, be sure to visit your doctor right away.

If you value your health and the health of your family, don’t wait to test for asbestos in your home. If your home does contain asbestos, the longer you wait to schedule asbestos testing and removal, the more at risk you and your family are for serious illness. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to lung disease, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers cannot be seen without the right type of microscope, so don’t attempt to test for asbestos yourself. If you do encounter asbestos, call an asbestos removal company in San Francisco immediately. Improperly handling asbestos can put you in danger of breathing in harmful asbestos particles.

Be proactive about your health and get peace of mind that your home is free from asbestos and your family is safe by scheduling asbestos testing and removal in San Francisco today.

You probably feel safest and most comfortable in your home—but perhaps you should be more careful. Indoor air pollution can be as bad (if not worse) as outdoor air pollution in major developed cities. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can cause or contribute to the development of serious cardiovascular conditions, including asthma and a number of other chronic lung diseases. Have your home tested for mold, asbestos, lead, and bacteria , and look out for these common sources of indoor air pollution.

Biological Pollutants
Biological indoor pollutants include molds, bacteria, viruses, pollen, animal dander, and particles from dust mites and cockroaches. To keep biological pollutants under control, wash bedding and sweep/vacuum your floors regularly to kill dust mites, control moisture to prevent mold growth, and hire a mold testing company to inspect your home for harmful biological pollutants.

Combustion Pollutants
Combustion pollutants come from sources such as fuel burning stoves, furnaces, and gas-burning appliances such as water heaters and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the most dangerous gases produced by such sources. Make sure combustion appliances are installed and maintained by professionals, and make sure your home is properly ventilated.

Asbestos
Although asbestos use is now outlawed in the U.S., it was once one of the most popular building and construction materials in the country. Asbestos produces microscopic fibers that, when inhaled into the lungs, can cause asbestosis (scaring of the lung tissue), lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If your home or office building was built before 1980, hire an asbestos testing and removal company in San Francisco immediately.

Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter your home or business through cracks in the foundation floor, drains, and other opening. Indoor radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Test your home for radon regularly and follow recommendations for further testing and repairs.

Asbestos is an extremely tough mineral that is able to resist heat, chemicals, and weather. Many older homes have asbestos in their building materials. If you are a homeowner, it is extremely dangerous to come into contact with asbestos fibers in the air. When a person breathes in asbestos, harmful fibers enter their nose and lungs. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to serious health complications and fatalities.

If you are concerned about asbestos in your home, it is very important to schedule an asbestos test. At Safe Air Fast, we provide asbestos abatement services to homeowners in San Francisco. Our asbestos removal company will provide you with top quality asbestos testing and asbestos removal.

For many years, asbestos was commonly used to insulate and protect buildings and homes. While asbestos is extremely durable and weather resistant, this fibrous substance is also extremely hazardous to human health. If you live in an older home or building, you may want to consider scheduling an asbestos test. At Safe Air Fast , we provide asbestos removal and asbestos testing near San Francisco. Our asbestos removal company can help you make sure that your home is free and clear of asbestos. To highlight the benefits of scheduling an asbestos test, here is a look at the health dangers associated with this highly toxic material.

Respiratory Problems

Asbestos is made up of many tiny, sharp fibers. When asbestos is exposed to the open air, these fibers will be released. If a person comes into contact with exposed asbestos, he or she may be at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. Once asbestos enters a person’s lungs, it can cause scarring, inflammation, and a variety of other serious respiratory problems.

Cancer

Asbestos is also a known carcinogen. Over time, continued exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious and life-threatening cancers. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to respiratory cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. In addition, asbestos exposure can increase a person’s chances of developing other serious cancers, such as throat cancer, kidney cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a health condition that is directly associated with asbestos exposure. Some of the symptoms of asbestosis include wheezing, coughing, and other forms of lung damage. Asbestosis can also cause the formation of pleural plaques, which may be linked to the early stages of lung cancer. By hiring an asbestos removal company to safely remove asbestos from your home, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from this deadly material.