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Asbestos is a silicate mineral that naturally occurs and has the appearance of crystals with separable long fibers. It is inextinguishable and flexible; so it became widely used as insulation and other products that require resistance to heat, low conductivity to electricity, and high tensile strength. It is highly toxic and hazardous to health. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause individuals to develop serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. There is some evidence that links asbestos exposure to cancers of the esophagus, throat, kidneys, gallbladder, intestines, and colon.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer often caused by prolonged and heavy exposure to asbestos . Asbestosis is a disorder of the respiratory system often characterized by scars in lung tissues. Lung cancer is a condition not directly caused by asbestos inhalation but can be aggravated when combined with smoking.
Asbestos is not man-made substance but a naturally-occurring mineral found in almost all continents around the world. It is still mined in several countries like Canada and Russia. Other countries have completely banned the mining of asbestos due to its lethal effects to humans.
Before the US government has regulated use of asbestos , the mineral has been widely used in commercial products like: building insulation, vinyl flooring, cement, ceiling tiles, roofing tiles, caulk, textiles, and brake shores. Asbestos is present in the environment at very low levels and becomes highly dangerous in concentrated levels often found in the workplace. Therefore, individuals who are likely to suffer from serious illnesses caused by asbestos are working in high-risk occupations involved in the following: construction and building work, shipbuilding, auto mechanics, demolition work, dry walling, firefighting, and textiles. These days, the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ensures that workers are provided with protective gears and masks to reduce risk of exposure to asbestos .
Symptoms of illnesses related to asbestos typically appear after many decades, about 30 to 50 years or so. Depending on the spread and condition of the disease, symptoms may include: chest pain, swelling, coughing, hoarseness, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. People who develop any of these symptoms and have history of asbestos exposure must seek medical help immediately.
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Source by
David Austin
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