Asbestos is a natural fibrous silicate mineral (magnesium) commonly used in construction materials and other products because of its high heat resistance, strength and durability. Asbestos is mined and processed from certain types of rock formations and the six natural occurring silicate minerals that are extracted are generally separated into very thin fibers. Some of the minerals that are extracted particularly chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite have been most commonly used in building products.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos has been identified as a carcinogen which can cause cancer. Research has proven that over time exposure to inhalable asbestos fibers can cause several serious diseases. The most common of these are asbestosis, which is a chronic disease of the lung that can cause permanent lung damage, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Because of its durability asbestos was used in many industries from the late 1800s, particularly in building and construction where it was used in strengthening cement, insulation materials, roofing and fireproofing. In the shipbuilding industry it was also used as an insulation material and in other industries such as vehicle brakeshoes, ceiling tiles, paints, adhesives and plastics. Asbestos exposure occurs when the asbestos that is in the products becomes damaged causing tiny microscopic and invisible fibers to become airborne. When these asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged into the body particularly in the lung region. Over time, the fibers can cause scarring and inflammation which can cause breathing problems.
Who is exposed to Asbestos
Apart from the atmosphere, asbestos can also be found in relatively in water and the soil. Research has shown that most people who become ill from asbestos are those who have been exposed to it over a long period of time and would most commonly be in an occupation where they are working with asbestos. For instance, research has shown that some of the occupations associated with asbestos where the symptoms of mesothelioma have surfaced later in life have been related to trades such as plastering, plumbing, electrical, welding, excavation. painting, tiling, insulation, mechanical. demolition, glass, rubber and paper making industries to name as few.
Large quantities of asbestos were also used in the shipbuilding and construction industries over 30 years ago which would indicate that workers in those industries would be at a higher risk of developing health problems related to asbestos such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The symptoms of long term Asbestos exposure
If you have worked in an occupation that had a high rate of asbestos exposure, then you may very well be at risk of developing an asbestos related disease, particularly if it related to work in industries such as ship building, power plant, asbestos mines, boiler making, insulation, brick making, asbestos cement......in fact there were numerous industries involved in the manufacture of products containing asbestos that could be mentioned here.
The symptoms of an asbestos related disease may not appear for many years even decades after exposure. The following are the most common symptoms of asbestosis that may appear and if they do, then a doctor should be consulted: