Once seen as a miracle material—strong, fireproof, and cheap—asbestos was widely used in homes, farms, and buildings right across Yorkshire.
But today, we know it’s one of the most dangerous materials out there. Even small amounts of exposure can cause serious, lifelong illness.
At Othick Property Services, we’re here to help you stay safe. We specialise in finding and safely removing asbestos in homes, farms, and businesses across the region.
If you live or work in an older property, it’s worth knowing the risks and what to look out for.
How does asbestos affect the body?
When materials containing asbestos are disturbed—say during renovations or general wear and tear—they release tiny fibres into the air.
You can’t see or smell them, but you might breathe them in. Over time, those fibres can get stuck deep in your lungs, where they cause scarring, inflammation, and sometimes even cancer.
The difficult part? The health effects of asbestos often don’t show up for 20 to 40 years, so many people don’t realise they were ever exposed until it’s much later.
Major health risks linked to asbestos exposure
1. Asbestosis
This is a chronic lung condition caused by inhaling large quantities of asbestos fibres over a prolonged period. Scar tissue builds up in the lungs and makes it hard to breathe.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Fatigue
Asbestosis is progressive and irreversible, but its development can be slowed if exposure is stopped early.
2. Mesothelioma
A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
Symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps under the skin on the chest
Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, often diagnosed at a late stage due to its long latency period and vague symptoms.
3. Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer—especially in people who also smoke.
Symptoms:
- A chronic cough that gets worse over time
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Weight loss and fatigue
Like other asbestos-related diseases, symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure.
Other conditions to be aware of
- Pleural thickening: This hardens the lining of the lungs, making breathing uncomfortable.
- Pleural effusion: A build-up of fluid around the lungs, sometimes a sign of mesothelioma.
Who is at risk?
It’s not just people in construction or heavy industry. These days, we often work with:
- Homeowners and DIYers
- Farmers repairing barns and outbuildings
- Tradespeople working in older buildings
- Anyone renovating a property built before the year 2000
Across both rural and urban Yorkshire, many homes and farms still have materials that contain asbestos, and most people don’t even know it’s there.
What to do if you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos
- Talk to your GP: If you have symptoms or concerns, speak to your doctor. Be sure to mention any potential asbestos exposure.
- Don’t touch it: Never drill, sand, or disturb materials you suspect could contain asbestos.
- Call in the experts: That’s where we come in. Our team can carry out safe asbestos removals across Yorkshire. We’re fully trained, HSE-compliant, and are here to help.
Protect your health and act early
Asbestos exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, but the risks are very real.
Whether you’re planning a renovation, clearing out an old barn, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help you take the right steps to protect your health.
Call our team today for a free consultation or check out our asbestos removal services for more information.