What is Asbestos?

What is Asbestos?

The best way to answer the question what is asbestos is to fully understand why asbestos has been used in so many applications in the first place. Asbestos is a natural mineral that has excellent fire retarding properties. It was once the number one choice in making fire proof items; especially in the construction industry. You’ll be surprise to learn of how many buildings have asbestos mixed into them as a fire proofing mechanism. The problem is that we now know that this material is very dangerous to our health which in turn renders it’s benefits null.

A good resource to look at is the EPA Asbestos Ban & Phase-Out Rule. This ban has been highly debated but it gives good insight into the dangers of asbestos. As you would expect, those who profit in making materials containing asbestos have fought this ban and they are still making products from this material today. What is asbestos? It’s a rock that has been changed in it’s form due to great pressure and heat over millions of years. The difference between this mineral as compared to other minerals is that it has thread sized filaments which if they become airborne can be easily inhaled in our lungs. Once there they can cause all kinds of health problems. It was a highly sort out mineral during World War II in used a lot in the building of ships. It has been estimated that over thirty million tons of this mineral has been put into use.

By now you have probably heard of mesothelioma cancer. Believe it or not a link to this disease from asbestos was discovered a hundred years ago. In fact, before that, as early as 1898 it was documented that workers who inhaled the fibers from this fibers were developing diseases.

What is asbestos? Well it’s not just the cause of industrial diseases. It has been well documented that people not in the industrial field of work has gotten mesothelioma cancer through inhaling asbestos fibers in buildings and even in their homes. This is how easily this dangerous substance can enter our bodies and cause havoc. Not only does it cause damage in the lungs but it also causes problems in the abdominal cavity. In severe cases tumor will grow in the body and lungs may collapse. It doesn’t stop there. Once one area of the body is diseased from asbestos it may very well spread to other areas.

What is asbestos? Asbestos is a substance used in things we may used everyday. These items may or may not be safe to use as long as they don’t start to break down which causes the fibers to be released into the air. Items such as fire retardant gloves and stove pads, ironing board protectors and brake shoes may all contain asbestos. So be careful when using them or better yet try to find a substitute for them that don’t contain asbestos.

You have now learned what is asbestos and just as important why is asbestos used in the first place. Please don’t keep this information to yourself but share it with others to help promote a more healthier environment for us all. If you’re an industrial worker be diligent in finding out just what materials are being used in your working environment and make sure you protect yourself as well as your co-workers by finding out how the EPA Ban and Pull-Out Rule effects your employer. You now have your answer to the question what is asbestos and should now be able to make wise decisions in protecting yourself.