There was a time when asbestos was termed a miracle material; this was due to its strength, heat resistance, and power of insulation. This material is a mineral that occurs naturally and is made up of thin, long-lasting fibres. It was commonly used in the 20th century for manufacturing, construction, and a host of other industries. However, in not-so-recent times, it has been discovered to pose a lot of health risks.
You can visit this site: https://www.health.state.mn.us/ Â for more information on the health risk of asbestos
Although this material has been banned in most countries around the globe, there is still great concern about the health challenges that exposure to it brings. In this article, therefore, we will explore some important facts about this material. Additionally, we will look at how to avoid or deal with exposure to it.
Basic Information about Asbestos
Asbestos is a term that refers to a composition of 6 fibrous silicate minerals and they are amosite, chrysolite, crocidite, anthopyllite, tremolite and actinolite. These materials are microscopic (not easily seen with the naked eye) and easily become airborne when materials that contain them are disturbed. Ingestion or inhalation of these substances can cause serious health issues because the body cannot expel or break them down once they are lodged in one’s lungs or other tissues.
Sources of Asbestos Exposure
Although the use of this material has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries, however, there are still many old buildings, industrial sites and products that contain this substance. Below are some sources of exposure:
- Construction Materials – These include materials for insulation, cement, shingles, roofing, pipe lagging and floor tiles.
- Occupation – Workers in the following industries are more prone to being exposed: shipbuilding, construction and automotive repairs.
- Environmental Contamination – Regions in which asbestos mining took place may still have some deposits left and this can lead to environmental exposure.
- Household Products – In times past, some consumer goods contained this substance as their raw material and some of these products may still be in use. Some of these products are ironing board covers, cigarette filters, hair dryers, potholders, makeup and appliances. Click here to see some products that still contain asbestos.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The major danger comes mainly from inhaling its fibres and this can cause lasting damage to the respiratory system and other organs of the body. The following are some primary health issues that have been linked to asbestos:
- Asbestosis– This is a chronic lung disease that develops when asbestos fibres cause scarring in the lung tissue. Symptoms of this disease include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Although this is not cancerous, it can reduce lung function to a large extent and also lead to grave complications.
- Lung Cancer – Prolonged exposure to asbestos increases the danger of lung cancer; this is more so for smokers. Symptoms of this condition include unexplainable weight loss, chest pain and persistent coughing.
- Mesothelioma – This is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and other internal organs. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos and it takes a long time to develop after the first exposure.
- Other Cancers – Some other cancers that can be caused by this substance include cancers of the ovaries, larynx and gastrointestinal tract.
What to Do If You Suspect Exposure
If you suspect that you have been exposed to his harmful substance, take the following steps:
- Avoid Further Exposure – The first thing to do is to limit contact with potential sources. The next step is to ensure that you get a professional to inspect your living and working spaces or anything you suspect of being a source.
- Informs Your Doctor – Consult your doctor so that he/she can recommend further testing or recommend other forms of mentoring.
- File an Occupational Claim – Workers who have been exposed are likely to be eligible for medical coverage or compensation. You also need to get mesothelioma legal advice from a lawyer that’s versed in health related litigations. This will help you get the best compensation for the condition as covered by occupational health laws.
Conclusion
Even though the dangers of exposure to asbestos are well-documented, the consequences remain a global problem. When communities and individuals understand the risks associated with this dangerous substance and implement proactive measures, the consequences are reduced.  Industries and governments also have their part to play in making sure that this harmful substance is safely managed while supporting individuals that have been affected by it.
In this article, we have discussed the basics of asbestos exposure, likely sources of exposure and what to do if you suspect that you have been exposed to it. Bear in mind that there is need for education, vigilance and dedication to safeguarding public health.