Many people realize and understand the dangers of living in a house with untreated, unsafe asbestos, but it is actually a very useful substance in the construction and automotive industry. This article provides an overview of the silicate mineral with which we have a true love-hate relationship.
Asbestos is a silicate mineral that occurs in several types of serpentine rocks. It comes in six forms that are divided into two families. The serpentine group's only component is chrysotile, while the amphibole group includes amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. The most commonly used asbestos fiber is chrysotile, followed by amosite.
There are several distinguishing characteristics of asbestos that makes it a very useful substance. First, it has many retardant properties. It is resistant to flame, heat, electricity, chemicals, and degradation. Additionally, physical traits such as a high tensile strength and flexibility add to its appeal in many different industries.
Asbestos is mined in open pits, mainly in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Brazil, and Canada. After the top layer of sediment is removed, miners often use demolition blasting to remove the parts of rocks that do not contain asbestos. When a layer of asbestos is revealed, miners use machines to scrape up the substance.
After asbestos is added from everything to concrete to piping, it can be used in houses, buildings, cars, and firefighter's gear. However, it is much less popular now that we have discovered the dangers of breathing asbestos fibers. Because asbestos easily breaks off into tiny, microscopic shards, it can be inhaled into the lungs. Once the threads lodge there, it can cause numerous cancers, including mesothelioma.
It was not until the 1900s that people began to notice the deaths of those who mined asbestos and lived near mining towns. Although the link between cancer and this mineral was more fully recognized in the 1970s, it was not banned from use in the United States until 1989. Therefore, many people were exposed to the carcinogenic substance. Even now, asbestos can still be found in old homes and buildings.
Asbestos can be removed, treated, or filtered to help protect you and your loved ones from disease. Asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma, and it has been linked to other cancers including colorectal, gastrointestinal, throat, and esophageal. Also, it can cause warts if it fibers get lodged in the skin. Besides cancers, it can cause pleural plaque buildup in the lungs.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, you may have mesothelioma or be at risk for developing the disease. If the usage of asbestos is illegal, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help you deal with your illness. For more information regarding mesothelioma lawsuits, take a look at the mesothelioma lawyers at the firm of Williams Kherkher today.
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