What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is one of the most useful minerals which can be found from rocks abundant in many countries. Its tiny fibers are as strong as steel yet can be woven easily. One of the most sought characteristics of asbestos is that it has high resistance to chemical reaction and heat.

Uses of Asbestos

UK was known to be the largest importer of asbestos; it is because asbestos can be used in construction and household appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, etc… It could also be used in building ships and vehicles.

Furthermore, asbestos is also a good insulator that’s why many companies use asbestos to manufacture amosite insulation boards and other building materials. Others use it as hardener and come up with the asbestos cement.

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos has only three types; brown, blue and white asbestos. Among the three, brown and blue asbestos are not allowed to be exported to other countries since they are the most common causes of Mesothelioma cancers. White asbestos, on the other hand, was thought to be harmless until cases of Mesothelioma caused by it emerged in the early 1980’s.

How Asbestos gets into the body

Dangers start when asbestos is damaged because it releases very tiny fibers which can be easily breathed in. These particles will make their way to the lungs blocking the small airways. The bad thing is that they cannot be coughed out. However, the natural defense mechanism of the body will try to break them down which will further result to inflammation of the lung tissues. Although, there are cases which asbestos are taken into the body through digestive system but the most common is through respiratory tracts.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are three types of Mesothelioma which are named after the tissues where asbestos fibers settle for a very long time and where the first symptoms can be detected.

Pleural Mesothelioma

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they will settle down in pleura, the membranes which surround the lungs. There are no immediate effects and symptoms once asbestos is inhaled but over the years, Mesothelioma cancer cells will be developed due to frequent irritation that asbestos fibers would create. Other lung diseases can also be expected.

Peritonial Mesothelioma

Aside from being inhaled, asbestos fibers can also be swallowed through food and will stick in the digestive system of the human body. Researches showed that the particles will greatly damage the abdominal membranes called peritoneum; inflammation is the first symptom.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

This is the rare type of Mesothelioma but it is also the type with faster effects since asbestos fibers will cause great damages to pericardium, the membrane which holds the heart. Although experts don’t have a clear view how the fibers reached the heart, but it is believed that fibers travel through bloodstream.

Mesothelioma cannot be detected immediately. It will take 20 to 30 years to experience its first symptoms. That is why people who have been exposed to asbestos are advised to consult a physician at early stage.

Asbestos was widely used in many building and industrial materials, including siding panels, roof shingles, mortar, flooring and insulation. Asbestos containing material still exist in many homes. Here are some EPA recommendations for dealing with asbestos around the home:

Leave asbestos alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. The danger occurs when fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs. For a list of materials that possibly contain asbestos, visit http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

Inspect asbestos-containing material regularly for visible signs of wear without touching it.

Generally limit activities in any areas having damaged asbestos material. In particular, keep children away from such areas.

Avoid sweeping, or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos. Also avoid sanding, scraping, or drilling holes in materials that possibly contain asbestos.

Have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling, cleaning and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.

If you need to discard asbestos material, check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials for proper handling and disposal procedures.

For more information on dealing with asbestos, please visit http://www.epa.g/asbestos/