What are the dangers of Asbestos Exposure

The Second World War can be traced back to the reason why industry suddenly began to use asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos fibres being found in the environment forced the Consumer Product and Safety Commission to issue laws controlling the use of asbestos.

Industry found that the use of asbestos was further restricted after the Environmental Protection Agency issued more laws controlling the use of asbestos in industry during the 1980's. Despite all the attention asbestos has received over the years there are a surprising number of people who have no idea how harmful the fibre can be to humans.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in nature in fibre bundles. There are few products that have the same fire and chemical resistance that asbestos possesses. Manufacturing and construction were most willing to put asbestos to use in industry.

Asbestos products include brake shoes and clutch pads for automobiles, insulation for boilers and steam pipes on ships, and strengthening agents for cement and talc-based crayons. In the construction industry, asbestos fibers are used in ceiling tiles; paint that is lead based, plastics, adhesives, soundproofing material and insulation. If it can be ensured that the asbestos is contained and unable to reach the outside environment then the use of asbestos is legal.

Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can carry significant health risks, some of which are untreatable and incurable at the present time. One of the commonest ailments caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis, which is inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.

Mesothelioma is often reported as a disease resulting from asbestos exposure that is listed in many asbestos litigation cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the heart; pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung.

It is only in the last 3 decades that it has become apparent the effects on peoples health that asbestos causes. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or asbestosis to become apparent in the victim; this is the reason why it has taken so long for the link between the diseases and asbestos to be made.

The use of asbestos has declined due to the level of litigation that has taken place by its victims once the link between asbestos and the diseases it caused had been established. Follow the right safety guidelines and it is legal for manufacturers to use asbestos.

The author of this web articles has written many other articles about asbestos. If you are interested you can find links to some of their other work below.

Epa 6 Mil Asbestos Removal
Epa Removal Actions Asbestos Region X
Esophageal Cancer And Asbestos Exposure
Esophageal Cancer Asbestos Exposure
European Union Elv And Asbestos
Exposure To Asbestos In Recreational Vehicles
Exposure To Asbestos Ready Mix Concrete