Asbestos is the name assigned to a collection of minerals that are natural to the environment. The mineral produces bundles of fibers that split into thin threads. The fibers are heat resistant and do not conduct electricity. Because of the durability of asbestos, it has been widely used in a variety of industries. Asbestos minerals are comprised of atoms with silicone and oxygen in the molecular structure.
Asbestos is commonly used in mining and other commercial uses in North America. In the 1970s the chemical was banned from use in gas fireplaces and wallboard patching compounds; this is when the construction and building industries started to look at asbestos as a harmful chemical and many manufacturers discontinued use of asbestos in products. Likewise, builders eliminated asbestos use for the safety of employees.
Asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace but can also occur in the home and community. Tiny asbestos fibers are released when structures or products containing asbestos are manipulated or disturbed. When the fibers are inhaled, they may get trapped in the lungs and other parts of the body’s’ internal structure. Over a period of time, the fibers can collect and cause inflammation and scarring. The inflammation can lead to difficulty breathing and other serious health conditions.
National health agencies have identified asbestos as a human carcinogen. Research has shown that asbestos exposure can significantly increase the risk of mesothelioma and cancer of the lungs. Mesothelioma is the form of cancer most associated with exposure to asbestos. In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos could be contributory to cancers of the colon, throat and gallbladder.
Most people have been exposed to asbestos at some point. In fact, low levels of the material can be found in the soil, water and air. Many are not affected by low-grade exposure and will never develop the cancers or illnesses that can be caused by exposure. Those most affected are typically individuals who are exposed on a regular basis. These individuals typically have jobs that require they work directly with asbestos or have substantial environmental contact.
Studies and research have made more people aware that there are health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Investigators have concluded that those who develop asbestos-related health conditions normally will not appear immediately and a diagnosis may not occur until years after exposure. In fact, in some cases, it takes from 10 to 40 years or longer for symptoms of an asbestos-related illness to appear.
There are several factors that can affect an individual’s risk of developing an asbestos-related illness. The amount and length of time of exposure will impact how an individual is affected. The chemical makeup, shape and size also affect the creation of the asbestos fibers and this can impact how the fibers are inhaled and attached to the inside of the body. Individual risk factors will also include the health of the individual and can include any pre-existing illnesses and smoking.
Studies have shown that the combination of asbestos exposure and smoking is extremely hazardous. Individuals who smoke and are also exposed to the material may have a greater risk of developing lung cancer. It is believed that smoking cessation can greatly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer particularly for those who are regularly exposed to asbestos.
Anyone who is has concerns about asbestos exposure should speak with the employer or health and safety representative. If the existence of asbestos is unknown, the company may have to arrange for an inspection and anyone who comes in contact with the material should be notified. Once it has been determined that asbestos is present, safety measures must be created and adopted.
Comments
Post a Comment