About Asbestos

Asbestos is considered to be the main cause of Pleural Mesothelioma that is Mesothelioma of lungs, commonly known as “asbestos lung cancer”. Asbestos is a natural fiber, when released into the air. It can be inhaled or swallowed. It does not contain any smell or taste. These fibers are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. Asbestos fibers get stuck in the lungs, abdomen, other body tissues, and, leads to development of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. There is a long duration between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. Decades may pass after a person’s first exposure to asbestos before he or she falls ill.

Chrysotile is a kind of asbestos and was widely used in the United States as an inevitable building material. According to “Asbestos Building Inspectors Manual”, Chrysotile accounts to 95% of approximate usage of asbestos in the United States buildings.

Mesothelioma Respects No Boundaries

“Asbestosis” is another common disease caused due to exposure of asbestos. It is an occupational disease and is most often seen in insulators, boilermakers, andworkers employed in trades that involve substantial exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma, is also caused by asbestos exposure, but does not respect such boundaries.

People who work directly with or around asbestos are at a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma but very brief or low level exposures can trigger the development of mesothelioma.

The term “household exposure” is used to explain how workers’, spouses, and children are exposed to asbestos. Workers travel home carrying asbestos, in their hair and clothes. Housewives are exposed to mesothelioma disease by merely washing clothes containing traces of asbestos. Some develop mesothelioma simply because they work in a school, hospital or buildings in which asbestos was used.

In spite of the known health risks caused due to asbestos exposure the use of asbestos is still rising in some parts of the world.

Widespread Use of Asbestos

Asbestos is inevitable part of the following industries:

• Construction and Engineering - For creating mighty structures asbestos is useful. It is used in roof tiles, floor tiles, geysers, pipe insulation, firebrick, window, caulking, duct connections, and fire proof insulation sprays. It is also utilized to strengthen the concrete pillars.

• Shipping- It is utilized to strengthen the concrete pillars and insulation around boilers. It is added in cement mixtures to solidify and reinforce it.

• Auto- Asbestos is used in the auto industry. The vehicle manufacturers make extensive use of asbestos due to its numerous qualities. It has high insulation and tensile strength. A naturally occurring light mineral, it is fire and heat resistant as well. That is the reason why asbestos is used in brake and accelerator pedals, brake pads, clutches, and brake drums.

Ban on Asbestos

Strict measures are being taken by government lobbies to ban asbestos laden products in countries such as Canada, UK, South Africa, and USA. Demands are approaching in the form of outright bans, phasing out, placing of stringent rules and limited usage. Despite persistent calls and known hazards of asbestos these measures may well be unsuccessful because of the huge amounts of money involved.