Asbestos
When people think of
asbestos, they think of the hazards associated with this substance. Rightfully so, much publicity has been made about
the dangers associated with asbestos – such as asbestos poisoning which can
lead to asbestosis – the scarring of the lung tissue, lung cancer, and
mesothelioma – a rare cancer of the outer membrane lining the outside of the
lung, heart, and abdominal cavity.
"Asbestos" is name
given to a group of naturally occurring metamorphic minerals that are distinguished
by their crystalline structures. Asbestos
forms fine, fibrous crystals, and these crystals are composed of magnesium
silicate. Asbestos exhibits many
properties that are highly advantageous in many industrial and commercial
applications. Such favorable properties
of asbestos include their high tensile strength and durability, flexibility and
malleability, thermal and chemical resistance, and low electrical
conductivity.
There are three types of
asbestos most commonly used. Chrysolite
(white asbestos) is the asbestos that is mostly used. It is used the most because the crystals formed are curled fibers
(Serpentine), making it less friable than the other asbestos types. Crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite
(brown asbestos) are also used, but only in specialized applications because
their crystals are needle like (Amphibole), making it more friable. Friable is a term meaning "easily broken
into small fragments or reduced to powder".
There has been an estimated
3,000 products made containing asbestos.
Asbestos can be found in
vinyl flooring, patching
compounds and textured paints, sprayed acoustic ceilings, acoustic ceiling
tiles, stove insulation, furnace insulation, pipe insulation, wall and ceiling
insulation, roofing shingles and siding as well as home appliances.
Asbestos is dangerous
because it can be easily disturbed.
Asbestos is extremely friable when it is disturbed. When disturbed, asbestos will break up into
microscopic particles, which can remain airborne for a prolonged period of
time. The health-related danger of
asbestos ensues when these particles are inhaled. When inhaled, these particles can penetrate the tissues of the
lungs. This will stimulate fibrosis,
the scarring process. These scars reduce
the functioning capacity of the lungs, which manifests itself in shortness of
breath and a persistent cough. This
disease is called asbestosis. Additionally, asbestos is a carcinogen, meaning that it can
induce cancers. People who have been
exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma,
which is a rare cancer directly attributed to asbestos poisoning.
If you're looking to learn
more about asbestos – what is asbestos, history of asbestos, asbestos-related
diseases, asbestos regulations, asbestos legal action, asbestos removal, and
much more, then you have come to the right site. Whether you're just generally interested in asbestos or if you
have been exposed to asbestos and want to understand the dangers about it, Ringsurf
has provided comprehensive information for your access!
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