The Danger of Asbestos in Ireland

31 May 2016

The Danger of Asbestos in Ireland

There are three types of asbestos found in Ireland. Chrysotile or white asbestos, amosite or brown asbestos, and crocidolite or blue asbestos. It is now illegal to use asbestos containing materials, however many homes and workplaces still contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation or fireproofing. It was also used in building materials. It is commonly found around pipes and boilers, fire doors, and as insulation board.


Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibres become airborne. This happens when they are disturbed or degrade over time. Many people don’t immediately realise they have been exposed to asbestos, and it can take anywhere from 15 to 60 years for diseases resulting from asbestos to appear.


Asbestos is known to increase the risk of lung diseases including cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the chest cavity, the outside of the lungs, and the abdominal cavity. Lung cancer can also be caused by asbestos. It causes cough, wheezing, weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. It can also cause asbestosis. Asbestosis is essentially scarring of the lung tissue. Over time it can make it more difficult to breathe and can become fatal.


Some scientists believe asbestos exposure also increases the risk of other types of cancer. Studies have shown an increase in instances of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers in those who have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos may also cause an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.






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