Killer dust: why is asbestos still killing people?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral substance that can be pulled into a feathery texture. Asbestos contains very minute fibers which extremely small. Asbestos is more dangerous when it is friable and easy to release to the air. The presence of fibers it can be easily crumbled by human hand and can release into the air. Also, the substance sprayed on asbestos insulation is highly friable.

Types of Asbestos Causing Pleural Mesothelioma:

• Serpentine asbestos
• Amphibole asbestos

The special features of asbestos which make asbestos a common construction material of everyday products, from building materials to fireproof protective gear. It is highly resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. Because of these properties once asbestos called as the "miracle mineral". Asbestos is made up of six minerals, are six types of asbestos minerals have common and similar characteristics. All forms of the asbestos mineral are odourless and tasteless. The presence of asbestos in a material or product cannot be detected by a visual examination and must be tested in a laboratory for the proper identification. All these properties often make it difficult to determine specific risks of asbestos exposure. However, any exposure to these asbestos fibers can cause asbestos-related diseases.Asbestos fibers are so light and also because of their shape they can float in the air for long periods of time. These asbestos fibers can stay in the air about 48 – 72 hours, but in a room with air currents, these fibers may stay in the air much longer. If these fibers are present in the air they can be inhaled easily.

Asbestos is dangerous only when it is releasing dust or fibers into the air. The exposed fibers in the air can be easily inhaled by the human through breathing and can cause many breathing diseases. These fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs, or, if swallowed, into the digestive tract cannot be easily removable. Once they are embedded in the body, these fibers can cause many serious health problems.

There are three primary diseases associated with asbestos exposure:

• Asbestosis * Lung Cancer * Mesothelioma

It is important for individuals or those who work with asbestos continuously to know their risks behind it, especially if they have a past history of asbestos exposure. People who have had exposure should learn how to protect themselves through medical checkups.

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