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Asbestos is a group of six different fibrous minerals: These six minerals are crocidolite, amosite, chrysotile, and also different fibrous varieties of tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, They fibers occur naturally in soil and rocks in many areas. The hardyness of these fibers make them hard to kill this is why they are so dangerous. Asbestos fibers are very pliable and come in all varying legnths.
It is and has been used in a wide range of manufactured goods both in the construction industry: roofing shingles, floor & ceiling tiles, paper products, cement products, in the automotive industry in friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), textiles, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. The ship docks and shipbuilding industry have also been extensively affected by asbestos poisoning and exposure.
In what ways does it damage the human body?
The thing that makes asbestos so good for manufacturing is the same thing that makes it so bad for the body; it’s durability and resistance to chemicals & outside forces. When the particles become airborne they are microscopic in size and easily inhaled. Once having invaded the lining of the major organs or mesothelium the small fibers become lodged.
The body secretes acid to try to eliminate the tiny fiber that has become lodged into the mesothelium or lining of the important organs of the body, but this action actually causes more damage to the body. Years after the original exposure to asbestos scarring and fluid build up are found withing the lungs causing either mesothelioma and asbestosis.
The symptoms of mesothelioma don’t appear from anywhere from 20-50 years making it very hard to diagnose since it may have been years if not decades since the original exposure to asbestos.
Correct treatments are many times delayed by poor diagnosis, since mesothelioma can easily mirror other diseases such as pheumonia or other lund proglems.
Tags: asbestos, asbestos fibers, asbestos poisoning, mesothelioma