What Is Asbestos—and Why It Still Threatens Your Health

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals—Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite and others—that were prized for fire resistance, strength, and insulation. Although Canada banned most asbestos products on December 30, 2018, hundreds of thousands of buildings in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey and nearby communities still contain asbestos in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, cement pipes, roofing shingles, and automotive parts. Whenever these materials age, deteriorate or are disturbed during renovations, microscopic fibers are released into the air, posing a serious threat to anyone who breathes them.

Asbestos Dangers: How Fibers Harm Your Lungs

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, their microscopic size allows them to bypass the body’s natural defense mechanisms in the nose and throat and penetrate deep into the lungs. Because these fibers are durable and chemically resistant, they can remain trapped in lung tissues and the pleura (the thin membrane surrounding the lungs) for decades, gradually causing cellular damage and inflammation.

The main ways asbestos harms the respiratory system include:

1. Asbestosis (Lung Scarring):
   Asbestos fibers cause chronic inflammation that leads to the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the lungs. This scarring stiffens the lung tissues, reducing their elasticity and making it harder for oxygen to transfer into the bloodstream. Symptoms often take 10-20 years to appear and include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath especially during physical activity, chest tightness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Asbestosis is progressive and irreversible. Although it itself is not cancerous, it significantly increases vulnerability to other deadly diseases.
2. Pleural Disease (Damage to Lung Lining):
   Asbestos exposure can cause thickening of the pleura (pleural plaques), accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion), or inflammation (pleuritis). This damage leads to chest pain, difficulty breathing, and reduced lung capacity. Pleural diseases can sometimes be detected via chest X-rays before symptoms become severe.
3. Mesothelioma (Cancer of the Pleura or Peritoneum):
   Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. It originates in the pleura or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen). Symptoms typically emerge 30 to 40 years after exposure and include persistent chest pain, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. Prognosis is poor, with limited treatment options and a high mortality rate.
4. Lung Cancer:
   Exposure to asbestos dramatically increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially among smokers. The combination of tobacco and asbestos exposure is synergistic, multiplying the risk beyond the sum of individual exposures. Symptoms of lung cancer can include coughing up blood, persistent cough, chest pain, wheezing, and unexplained weight loss.
5. Other Possible Cancers and Conditions:
   Studies suggest links between asbestos and cancers of the larynx, ovary, stomach, and colorectum. Asbestos can also cause benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as rounded atelectasis (collapse of part of the lung) and diffuse pleural thickening, which can impair lung function.

Why Symptoms Take Decades to Appear:
The latency period—the time between first asbestos exposure and disease manifestation—can range from 15 to 50 years. This delay complicates diagnosis and often means that individuals are unaware of their exposure until serious symptoms develop.

How Asbestos Fibers Interact with Lung Cells:
Once lodged in lung tissues, asbestos fibers induce persistent irritation. This chronic inflammation triggers immune responses that damage healthy cells and promote fibrosis (scarring). In some cases, asbestos fibers penetrate cell DNA, causing mutations that can initiate cancer development.

The Importance of Avoiding Any Exposure:
Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can cause damage over time, especially with repeated or prolonged inhalation. This is why professional removal and abatement, strict regulations, and awareness are vital to public health.

Signs & Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers often does not cause immediate symptoms. The harmful effects usually develop gradually, sometimes taking 15 to 40 years to manifest. However, recognizing early signs is critical for timely diagnosis and care.

• Gradual Shortness of Breath: Initially, shortness of breath appears during physical activity and worsens over time, eventually affecting everyday tasks such as walking or climbing stairs. This happens because scar tissue and inflammation reduce lung capacity and efficiency.
• Chronic Cough: A persistent cough, which may be dry or produce phlegm, often signals lung irritation. The cough can be worse in the morning or after exertion.
• Chest Pain or Tightness: Many exposed individuals report a dull or sharp pain in the chest, especially when taking deep breaths. This may be due to inflammation of the pleura or lung tissue damage.
• Wheezing and Respiratory Sounds: Wheezing or noisy breathing may develop due to narrowed airways or lung inflammation, particularly during physical activity or at night.
• Unexplained Fatigue: Difficulty breathing reduces oxygen supply, which can lead to chronic tiredness even after normal rest or sleep.
• Clubbing of Fingers or Toes: In some chronic lung diseases related to asbestos exposure, the tips of fingers or toes may enlarge or change shape due to long-term oxygen deficiency.
• Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite: Particularly in cases progressing to cancer such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, unintentional weight loss and decreased appetite are common.

When to Seek Medical Advice:
If you experience any of these symptoms and have a history of living or working in buildings constructed before 1990—especially in areas like Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey, or other parts of the Lower Mainland—it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Early screening and diagnostic imaging (such as chest X-rays or CT scans) can help detect asbestos-related conditions before they become advanced.

The Challenge of Silent Progression:
Because asbestos diseases develop slowly and symptoms often resemble other common respiratory illnesses, many people may ignore early warning signs. That is why any persistent respiratory symptoms with a known history of asbestos exposure should be evaluated promptly.

Asbestos Regulations in British Columbia & Canada

Since December 30, 2018, Canada has largely prohibited the manufacture, import, sale and use of asbestos-containing products. In BC and federally regulated workplaces, strict rules apply:

• Licensing & Certification: WorkSafeBC requires all abatement contractors to hold a valid licence and employ certified technicians.
• Air Sampling: Mandatory testing both before and after removal to ensure fiber counts are below 0.01 fibers/cm³.
• Waste Disposal: Asbestos waste must be double-bagged, clearly labelled and taken to approved hazardous-waste facilities—never sent to a regular landfill.

How to Choose a Certified Asbestos Contractor

Hiring the right team ensures the job is done safely, legally and thoroughly:

• Verify WorkSafeBC and Health Canada certifications.
• Request past clearance air sampling reports from local projects in Vancouver, North Vancouver or Surrey.
• Read client reviews and case studies of residential and commercial jobs.
• Confirm full insurance coverage for workers and property.

At Dorna Asbestos Removal, our certified asbestos abatement team holds full WorkSafeBC and Health Canada accreditation, ensuring every project—from initial testing to final clearance—is handled with precision and care.

Preventing Future Exposure

Even if no asbestos is found, keep materials in good condition: seal and paint surfaces with specialized encapsulants, monitor for wear, and schedule repeat inspections every 5–10 years—especially in high-risk areas like crawl spaces and boiler rooms.

Final Thoughts

The hidden dangers of asbestos demand respect, awareness and professional action. Whether you’re renovating a century-old Vancouver character home, updating a Surrey retail space, or maintaining a North Vancouver office, always assume asbestos may be present. Test first, then remove only under licensed supervision to protect your health and that of your family or coworkers.

👉 Learn more about our asbestos removal service in Vancouver and schedule your free consultation today. We proudly serve Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey, and all nearby communities.