Asbestos is a term used for some naturally occurring minerals that form long thin fibers and fiber bundles on crystallization. Most commonly found group is the serpentine group that includes Chrysotile (white asbestos). It is also the most frequently mined form of Asbestos. Another very important asbestos group is known as the amphiboles, which includes Crocidolite (blue asbestos) and Amosite (brown asbestos). The asbestos fibers have high tensile strength, and chemical, electrical and heat resistance properties and so are extremely useful as a building/insulation material. Asbestos has been used extensively all over the world.Asbestos: General InformationAlthough Asbestos is a hazardous material, it poses a health risk only if the Asbestos fibers become airborne and subsequently inhaled. Therefore, most Asbestos materials pose little health risk unless they are disturbed in a way that allows the fibers to be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer, Mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or lower digestive tract) and asbestosis (a chronic fibrosis of the lungs).Many industries used Asbestos extensively in the past, exposing their workers to this deadly materials. As a result, many new cases of Asbestos caused ailments are occurring now. However, the fact that Asbestos was also installed in many buildings means that a wider range of people still have the potential to be exposed – particularly building and maintenance workers. For this reason, the latest revision of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations introduces (from May 2004) a new responsibility on those responsible for non-domestic premises to manage the asbestos contained in them.Asbestos Caused DiseasesMesothelioma is a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal lining. It exclusively related to asbestos exposure. By the time it is diagnosed, it is usually fatal. Mesothelioma has a long latency period (time between exposure and onset of disease) of at least 15 years and sometimes as long as 60 years.Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring impairs the elasticity of the lung and hampers its ability to exchange gases. This leads to inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. Asbestosis restricts breathing leading to decreased lung volume and increased resistance in the airways. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years.Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor of the bronchi covering. The tumor grows through surrounding tissue, invading and often obstructing air passages. Again, the disease has a long latency period of at least 20 years.The victims of all these asbestos related diseases are eligible to file lawsuits for compensation against the persons and organizations responsible for causing asbestos exposure. They can take the help of mesothelioma and asbestos attorneys to fight their compensation claims.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Asbestos a Continuing Health Danger
The Super Cool actor of the 1960s, Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, came down with lung problems which cut his life short at the age of 50. This tough movie actor was stopped by an illness called Mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer caused mostly by asbestos.
Asbestos, the once hailed Miracle Mineral has now become the Devils Dust. Asbestos is a name which was given to a group of 6 different, naturally occurring, fibrous minerals. These minerals are (amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and the fibrous varieties of tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite). The properties of these minerals contain strong, separable fibers that are heat resistant and flexible enough to be woven or mixed into thousands of products.
Products for the entire building industry were made out of asbestos and many still are today. Asbestos was used in insulation, wallboards, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing shingles, paper products, cement products, brakes and all types of heat-resistant fabrics. Asbestos is still being mined right now, mostly in China, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Zimbabwe.
The danger with asbestos is that it is everywhere. It’s still in many peoples homes and it’s still used in many products today. The problems arise when that old asbestos board or insulation is damaged and then these tiny fibers float into the air. The fibers then become inhaled and never leave your lungs. As they accumulate in your lungs, many years later, they can develop into Lung Cancer, Abestosis and other serious health problems. Asbestos removal is best left to professionals and many experts say that if the asbestos in your home is not damaged, it is safer to just leave it alone.
If you develop either Shortness of breath, hoarseness or wheezing. A persistent cough which gets worse over time or if you spit up blood, make sure to get an appointment with a doctor for your symptoms. Hopefully it is not asbestos related, but if you have worked around asbestos or live around asbestos, then make sure to inform your doctor.
During the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Manufacturers were proud to put the name Asbestos in their product advertisements. These days, asbestos might still be in products but it is not labeled as such. Chrysotile asbestos is the only form which is still in commercial use today. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your self protected from dangerous asbestos products and the toxic fibers they can give off.