WHY IS ASBESTOS HAZARDOUS?
Asbestos is dangerous because it can break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so tiny they can remain airborne for days after being disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so little, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may ultimately lodge in the lung tissue. Once lodged, these fibers can cause several grave diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis (a scarring of the lung tissue), and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung cavity). We have learned over the years that asbestos is very dangerous and must be kept outside our bodies at all costs.