Asbestos Sources Article

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name for six different fibrous materials. They occur naturally in the environment. The six materials are amphibole, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite and anthrophlite. Asbestos fibres are very fine and can be spun or woven and are heat resistant.

Since asbestos has heat resistant properties, is a poor electrical conductor, inexpensive and easy to use, it was considered the best material in construction at the beginning of the twentieth century. Asbestos has been used most recently in a wide range of products. These include roofing shingle, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, cement, clutch for motors, brake pads, packaging and gaskets. Some vermiculite and talc products can contain asbestos.

Asbestos is released into the atmosphere or into water following breakdown which can be naturally occurring or when products disintegrate. The fibrous particles are very small and not visible to the naked eye. These particles remain in suspension in the atmosphere for quite some time. It can also be carried long distances by wind. It is not water soluble but can also be carried long distances by water. So asbestos exposure can be not just from directly working with asbestos, but being within vicinity where asbestos is released into the atmosphere. The 9/11 resulted in the collapse of the Twin Tower. It is estimated that at the time there was 400 tons of asbestos in the building. The toxic cloud over Manhattan contained asbestos fibres. Experts claim that about 100,000 people were exposed to asbestos.

There is an extremely low level of asbestos in the air we breathe.  The level is higher in cities and industrial areas. People, however, working with asbestos in industry, mining or in demolition are at a greater risk of higher asbestos exposure. Similarly people living near to factories etc where asbestos is used are at greater risk of asbestos exposure. Drinking water may contain asbestos from natural sources.

Asbestos can be inhaled or swallowed. The fibres are so small and sharp, they remain in the lungs or gut. In the lung it can gravitate into the mesothelial lining of the lung called the pleura and the in the gut, the peritoneum. Asbestos related diseases are slow to manifest. In the lung asbestos exposure can result in asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Lower level of exposure can cause pleural plaques. In the abdomen, asbestos exposure can cause peritoneal mesothelioma. Studies show that asbestos exposure can lead to cancers in other organs of the body. These include stomach, bowel, esophagus, pancreas and kidneys. The evidence here, however, is not conclusive.

Cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer significantly. If asbestos in the home or the work place is not disturbed, it does not pose a health risk. If, however, you suspect your home has asbestos, you local health office will be able to test and confirm this and advise you on the specialists that can remove the asbestos safely.