40,000 American lives are lost each year due to asbestos-related diseases. This health risk has led over 60 countries to ban asbestos (but not the US). At Smart Air, we are all about creating affordable and effective clean air tools to keep you safe. Let’s take a look at what clean air tools you can use to help keep you safe from asbestos in your home.
First, What Are Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of thin microscopic fibers. Due to its durability and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used in floor tiles, insulation for pipes, vehicle clutches and brakes, roofing, drywall and many other kinds of building materials.
Why is asbestos so dangerous? The above picture tells the story. Since asbestos is made of up many thin microscopic fibers, they easily get airborne and can stay in the air for days. These dangerous fibers typically get airborne when disturbed when moved around by renovations, construction, clean-ups, etc.
Asbestos: Major Health Concerns
Exposure to asbestos in your air can result in several serious health conditions—mainly diseases of the lung, like malignant mesothelioma.
Risks of asbestos exposure, include:
● Lung cancer
● Mesothelioma
● Asbestosis
● Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and throat
● Scarring of the lung lining
● Pleural effusions (fluid collecting around the lungs)
Preventative Measures to Reduce Asbestos Exposure
The most important thing to reduce the amount of asbestos you breathe in is to not disturb it and let it get in the air in the first place. Below is a summary of the CDC’s recommended ways to reduce the amount of asbestos that gets in the air.
But even after taking precautions, what is some asbestos still gets in the air? Since asbestos is extremely dangerous, we recommended two clean air tools to help you dramatically reduce the amount of asbestos you breathe in.
Two Tools to Help Reduce Asbestos Risk
Since asbestos are dangerous when they get airborne, clean air tools can help dramatically reduce the amount of asbestos in your air. Both HEPA air purifiers and N95 are extremely effective at removing asbestos from the air. For maximum protection, combine both tools.
HEPA Air Purifier
HEPA air purifiers can remove over 99% of asbestos from the air. In addition, they can also remove other dangerous particles in your air including PM2.5, viruses, and mold.
Read More: HEPA Air Purifiers For Asbestos Removal
N95 (or N99) Mask
Masks are powerful tools to reduce the amount of asbestos you breathe in. For maximum protection, use an N95 (N99 is even better).
Read More: How Good Are Masks at Filtering Out Asbestos?
Bottom Line: Protecting Yourself From Asbestos Exposure
Not disturbing asbestos is the best way to lower risk. Use preventative measures such as covering up potential sources and proper cleaning to lower the amount of asbestos getting into the air. N99 masks and HEPA filters can also help reduce the amount of asbestos that gets into your body.
Free Guide to Breathing Safe
Want to learn more about breathing clean air? Join thousands more and stay up to date on protecting your health.
