What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral made up of lengthy fibrous crystals. Each of these fibrous crystals is comprised of many small fibrils which can be released into the atmosphere by movement and can be accidentally inhaled. There are six types, some of which are more hazardous to health than others, but all have their own properties which threaten health. This naturally occurring material is resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion and has been widely used in industry.
It is a serious health and safety hazard when inhaled, particularly when the asbestos has aged, or where the particular product has been damaged. Typically where the product is in good condition and intact, it does not produce any health risks, but the moment it has broken or become damaged is when the fibrils then become exposed to the air and risk being inhaled.
The History of the Use of Asbestos
Although its use can be seen as early as in Ancient Greece, where it was commonly used to harden ceramic pots, in modern times, it was first seen used in the production of yarn, and extended to ceilings, roofing shingles, ceilings, cement products, paper products, floor tiles, automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts, packaging, heat-resistant fabrics, coatings, and gaskets. It began to be used on a large scale in the mining industries and in building in the 19th Century when manufacturers started using it in the construction of buildings, as it was highly fire resistant and a great electrical insulator.
It was only in the 1970s, with the publication of court papers, that it become publically known that asbestos was extremely hazardous for health and that the asbestos industry had in fact been aware of these hazards since 1930. Even during World War II, where ship boilers, piping, boilers, steam turbines, and steam engines were insulated with asbestos, there were countless deaths from asbestosis in these areas.
Because of its widespread use in history, most buildings built before the 1980s contain aspects of asbestos and those that stand are still hazardous to health today. Despite it now no longer being used, there are still many people who are made ill by it through the older structures that are still erect and being lived in.
How is Asbestos Dangerous?
There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos as even a single exposure can be extremely hazardous to health. Subsequent exposures will only compound the health risk and damage. Illness from asbestos can also take years to develop and show indication, up to 40 to 50 years to detect, where by that time it is often too late. It is also often difficult for doctors to make the connection to asbestos exposure because the asbestos danger to health takes so long to develop.
Two of the most common illnesses from asbestos exposure are asbestosis as well as mesothelioma. Asbestosis is the scarring of the lungs due to the inhalation of asbestos fibres, while mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer. The fibres of the asbestos become lodged in the lower regions of the lungs and over time build up to cause these illnesses. It also can cause detrimental changes to the lining and walls of the lungs. The cells of the lungs weaken and die which in turn causes impaired lung function and great pain. In some cases, the effects of asbestosis and mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body and even affect the heart.
Not only are people in certain professions at more risk of asbestos exposure, such as construction workers, doctors, teachers, librarians, landscapers, firefighters, plumbers, welders, demolition crew, and more, but their families are too at risk as there can also be second-hand exposure when a person is simply around another who has been exposed to the asbestos fibres.
Illnesses relating to asbestos exposure sadly cannot be cured but simply managed by inhalers to loosen the congestion or with the use of oxygen to assist the person with breathing.
With all this knowledge it is best to take action when the risk of asbestos exposure is present and have the asbestos removed safely by professionals. Contact ENSA today for a quote on our asbestos removal services.