Despite the many dangers associated with asbestos, the hazardous material is prevalent in homes across the UK.
The use of asbestos in construction was completely banned in 1999 but those living in homes built or renovated before the year 2000 may still find it lurking in their property.
While most understand that asbestos is dangerous, many are unaware of the symptoms and conditions caused by prolonged exposure.
What is asbestos? Everything you need to know
UK Government website, asbestos is the name given to "several naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have crystallised to form fibres."
According to theThese fibres do not dissolve in water or evaporate, are resistant to heat, fire, chemical and biological degradation and are "mechanically strong".
The most commonly used asbestos was serpentine asbestos (chrysotile or white asbestos). This sub-type is soft, flexible, curved and far less hazardous than other types.
Crocidolite asbestos is a light blueish white and consists of long, thin fibres. It is known for being the most dangerous kind of asbestos.
Recommended Reading:
These are 8 ways you can add value to your home in 2024
Experts share 5 ways you can clean your home with this 99p cupboard essential
You can add up to £90k to your home's value by making this one improvement
What can happen to your body after exposure to asbestos?
Those exposed to asbestos can suffer from Asbestosis, a serious lung condition that cannot be cured.
The NHS states that symptoms can appear some 20 to 30 years after exposure. These include:
- shortness of breath
- persistent cough
- wheezing
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- pain in your chest or shoulder
- in more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips
Another common manifestation of asbestos exposure is nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders.
These include Pleural plaques (asymptomatic but can increase the risk of other asbestos-related lung diseases), Diffuse pleural thickening (a widespread thickening of the pleura that can cause chest pain and shortness of breath) and Benign asbestos pleural effusions (small, bloody effusions affecting one side of the lungs.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel