Exposure to Asbestos, How to Respond to Asbestos.

Exposure to Asbestos

Dangerous diseases asbestosis and mesothelioma have only one known cause: long-term exposure to asbestos mineral. In the United States, most of these exposures occurred between the late 20th century, when asbestos use became very popular, and the 1970's, when government regulations on asbestos were finally established. Unfortunately, asbestos was used - and can still be found - in more places than people realize.

Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer can take years or even decades to develop before victims begin to feel symptoms. Please take the time to review the following articles on common asbestos exposure sites. If you have lived or worked in any of these settings, especially if it was before 1980, you should consider talking to your doctor about your chances of developing lung disease.

Locations of Exposure to Asbestos

Follow the links below for important information on a variety of locations in which asbestos has been found, and may still be found today in some cases:

• At Work / Occupational Exposure
• Asbestos in the Shipyards
• Asbestos in the Mines
• Asbestos in Metallurgy
• Asbestos in Construction
• Asbestos in Chemical Plants
• Asbestos in Consumer Products
• Asbestos in the House
• Asbestos in Nature
• Asbestos in Energy Plants
• Asbestos in School
• Other places

Exposure to asbestos does not necessarily cause immediate symptoms. In addition, many businesses have hidden information about asbestos exposure from their employees, customers, and surrounding communities. Consequently, it is very easy to be exposed to toxic levels of asbestos without knowing it until it is too late.

How to Respond to Asbestos

Although asbestos is regulated, it can still be found today in older buildings and consumer products. If you think you might have found asbestos in your home or place of employment, it is very important that you respond correctly. Remember, there is no way you can only distinguish between asbestos and other harmless minerals; Requires laboratory analysis.

If you suspect that you have found asbestos in a building, take the following steps:

·         Do not touch it. Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers are separated and transported through the air.

·         Call a professional. He or she will have the equipment and training necessary to remove a part of the asbestos to take a test. While the sample is taken, make sure no one is in the area unless they need to be there and have the necessary safety equipment.

·         If the substance is asbestos, you will again have to let the professionals handle it. They may decide to remove asbestos from the building, or seal it behind metal or concrete to prevent fibers from escaping into the air.

When you are looking for a professional to handle the risk in your home or work, make sure that the company you contact is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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Types of Asbestos

Asbestos Types

Asbestos (also called Asbestosis) is often thought of as a single product, but the term actually refers to six different minerals with similar properties. These properties include fire resistance, durability, flexibility, and low electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, all 6 types of asbestos are also formed of thin fibers that can be separated and ingested by people. Although some types are considered more dangerous than others, asbestos does not exist without danger.

If you have been exposed to asbestos at work or at home, knowing the type of asbestos involved may have medical and legal implications. It is important that anyone who has their life affected by exposure to asbestos knows it’s different forms and the risks of each.

The Six Types of Asbestos

Although there are more than 100 minerals that have similar properties to asbestos, the United States government has only officially recognized six. These six types of asbestos are:

Chrysotile Asbestos.

The fibers that make up most types of asbestos have small, straight and strong forms, often described as "needle-like." Chrysotile asbestos (or "white asbestos") is the exception; Its fibers have a curly shape, like a spiral. This form makes them less likely to be inhaled, and for that reason they are less likely to cause health problems. Chrysotile asbestos is viewed as relatively safe and is still used in certain capacities in the United States; however, long-term exposure can cause serious health problems.

Asbestos Amosite.

Amosite asbestos fibers are straight and almost always brown or gray. By this characteristic, the common nickname of Amosita is "coffee asbestos." After Chrysotile asbestos, coffee asbestos was the second most common used in commercial products. Commercial use of this substance has been greatly diminished since the dangers were demonstrated in recent decades. Several countries have completely banned asbestos from coffee; In the United States, its use is strictly regulated.

Asbestos Crocidolite.

Known as the "blue asbestos," Crocidolite asbestos is composed of very sharp and very fine fibers. Compared to other forms of asbestos fibers, Crocidolite fibers are very easily broken and inhaled. Fortunately, blue asbestos was the least used type in the United States, because it is more brittle and less fire resistant than other types. It is the most dangerous type of asbestos.

Asbestos Tremolite.

Asbestos Tremolite naturally forms in large masses in many parts of the world, including Canada and certain parts of the United States. Although it was never one of the most frequently used forms of asbestos, it is one of the most dangerous. Tremolite has been found in various household products, including talc and even children's toys.

Asbestos Anthophyllite.

Asphalt Anthophylliteis not as durable as other forms, meaning it does not have as many industrial uses in the United States. However, it has been used as a component in certain products like paint and sealants. Miners, painters and shipyard workers are especially vulnerable to diseases related to Anthophyllite.

Asbestos Actinolite.

Asbestos Actinolite is similar to Tremolite: the two extend in colors from white to green, the two forms in certain types of stones, and none of them have a long history of industrial use. Actinolite comes in two forms: one that is composed of long, thin fibers, and one that is not. Fibrous actinolite is extremely dangerous, just like all forms of asbestos. Actinolite that is not fibrous does not have the same risk.

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