Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a natural resistance to damage caused by heat, flame or chemicals. For this reason, it was used for decades in materials such as insulation, floor tiles, adhesives and for fireproofing. However, it is now known that exposure to asbestos increases a person's risk of developing mesothelioma, pleural plaques or asbestosis.
What Causes Asbestos to Harm the Body?
Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can be harmful to a person's health. Once inside the body, these tiny asbestos fibers can't be expelled. They irritate the lining of organs like the lungs, causing lesions that can eventually turn into scars or even cancer.
Are There Any Safe Forms of Asbestos?
Asbestos comes in six varieties, the most common of which is known as white or chrysotile asbestos. It is important to know that there is no such thing as a "safe" form of asbestos. However, asbestos is sometimes treated so that it becomes non-friable, meaning it is less likely to deteriorate and get inhaled. Asbestos can also be encapsulated, a process that effectively traps the material behind another substance.
Safe Levels of Exposure
According to most health professionals, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even onetime exposure to a small amount can lead to the development of mesothelioma later in life. Lung cancer and asbestosis are two diseases linked to asbestos exposure, and generally they require repeated exposure to asbestos fibers to be triggered.
Definition of Asbestos-Containing Materials
A material is defined as asbestos-containing if it contains 1 percent or more asbestos. At this level, licensed asbestos removal specialists are called in when asbestos-containing material needs to be disposed of, such as during renovations, construction or prior to demolition.
Types of Asbestos Exposure
There are three types of asbestos exposure. Occupational asbestos exposure occurs when workers in certain industries are routinely exposed to asbestos during the course of their day-to-day work. This could include former Navy servicemen, construction workers, shipbuilders, as well as many others.
Environmental asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos particles are present in the air. One case of this would be the large number of asbestos-related illnesses around Libby, Montana, where there was once a mine that was tainted with asbestos.
Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when a person brings asbestos home from work on his clothing, where it can then be inhaled by family members.
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