What Is Asbestos and How Can It Impact You?

What Is Asbestos and How Can It Impact You?
By Michael Sieben

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber frequently used in building materials. It's commonly used in insulation and fire resistant materials because of its thermal qualities. In years past asbestos was widely used in many industrial, commercial and home applications. In recent years the use of asbestos-containing products has significantly declined in the United States, and strict guidelines have been implemented regarding how these products can be safely removed and disposed of when detected. If asbestos fibers never broke down and became airborne there would only be praises for it because of its phenomenal ability to resist heat and fire and help keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Unfortunately, asbestos fibers can breakdown into microscopically thin fibers and become airborne. Once airborne, the fibers can cause potentially fatal conditions such as Mesothelioma. This dangerous disease requires little exposure to these dangerous thin fibers. The other cancers and illnesses associated with airborne asbestos require more frequent and lengthy exposure. Unlike dust from other building materials, the microscopic fibers cannot be seen when it is in the air and no other sense is able to detect its presence as it has no smell, no taste and it doesn't make a sound.

There are two common types of this often fatal cancer caused by asbestos, each based on the location in the body it affects.

The most common type is Pleural Mesothelioma, named because it develops in the pleural mesothelium (lung lining). Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma include difficulty in breathing, chest pain, weight loss, fever, night sweats and cough. Not all symptoms need to be present to receive a diagnosis of this rare and fatal disease.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma, affecting about one third of all those who contract the cancer, can be found in the abdomen. The symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma include swelling, abdominal pain, weight loss, a mass in the abdomen, bowel obstruction, blood-clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.

Between ten and forty years often pass from the time of exposure to the time one is diagnosed with the condition. More than 2,000 cases are reported each year in the United States alone. Due to the strength of the correlation between asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma, a fatal link is known to exist.

It is imperative that materials containing asbestos be used responsibly. Those working with it must treat it as the potentially hazardous material it can deteriorate into. To prevent the contraction of fatal and otherwise devastating illness, factory owners, contractors and those in charge of worksites where asbestos can be found must let employees know that they are working with material that contains the harmful substance and how to work with it safely.

Homeowners and business owners concerned about the presence of asbestos in their home can have samples drawn and tested. One could prevent exposure by having materials tested before entering the demolition phase of a project. Before ripping out walls or floors, have the materials tested. It could save a life.

The Minnesota personal injury lawyers and attorneys of Sieben Polk in Minneapolis MN have successfully represented over 50,000 personal injury cases and are the only mesothelioma law firm in Minnesota litigating on behalf of mesothelioma victims.

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What is Asbestos and Where Has it Commonly Been Used

What is Asbestos and Where Has it Commonly Been Used
By Julian Saunders

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral, and it is mined in a number of countries across the world. Historically, it has been a popular mineral to use in construction due to the fact that it is durable, flexible, resistant to chemical attack, an excellent insulator and able to withstand high temperatures. Even the name itself comes from the Greek language where it means 'un-extinguishable'.

In the UK, asbestos has been used since the industrial revolution when it was first used as insulation. Since then, it has been used in various applications such as fire retardant coatings, bricks, pipe lagging and lining of boilers.

There are three main forms of asbestos that occur naturally. The first is known as 'chrysotile', or white asbestos, and is by far the most commonly used type. It was usually mixed with cement to form corrugated roof sheets, or used to make flat sheets for walls and floors. Extremely flexible, it can be spun and woven like cloth which made it ideal as pipe insulation or even fireproof clothing. Considered to be dangerous to health, it was banned from the UK in 1999. It is estimated that this type accounts for up to 95% of all asbestos found in buildings.

The second type of asbestos is called 'amosite', or brown asbestos. In buildings it is most commonly found covering steel as fire protection or in walls as sound proofing. This type of asbestos is also considered harmful, and the import of amosite was banned in 1986.

The third form of asbestos is called 'crocidolite', or blue asbestos. It is a harder and less flexible form than the other types, but it is extremely strong and has a high acid resistance. It is considered to be the most dangerous of all asbestos types, and its use was strictly controlled from 1969 until it was finally banned in 1986.

It is essential that when asbestos it is found it is removed and disposed of correctly by a professional, licensed asbestos removal company, as the removal process can expose you to health risks if the correct procedures are not followed.

As asbestos has been used for over a century, it has been included in thousands of products. The list below gives some of the common uses for asbestos containing products so that you know what to be careful of when carrying out alterations to a property. While asbestos is generally safe if left alone, any damage can lead to the release of fibres which are dangerous to health.

Roof tiles and panels - asbestos is commonly found mixed with concrete to make either flat or corrugated panels. They are often seen as the roofs or walls of outbuildings and garages.

Roofing felt - asbestos can be found combined with bitumen in the felt often found covering flat roofs, where it gives flexibility and insulation. Some bitumen products containing asbestos were also used to make guttering.

Lagging - adding asbestos to cloth allowed it to be used to lag pipework and prevent heat loss or frost damage. Similar material was also used for fire blankets and some protective clothing.

Sound proofing - sprayed asbestos can often be found in under floors and in ceiling voids where it acts to prevent noise pollution.

Electrical insulation - Asbestos paper has been used to wrap electrical cabling and as the back of fuse boxes because of its non-flammable properties.

Spray coating - spraying asbestos on structural components of buildings provides protections against damage from heat and cold.

Loose packing - wall and ceiling cavities in older buildings may contain asbestos as it was frequently used as insulation.

Door linings - a flat sheet of asbestos under door panels provides resistance in the event of fire.

While this list gives you an idea of what to look for, it is not complete and if you are in any doubt a qualified asbestos surveyor should be contacted for advice. They will be able to assess the situation and advise you accordingly. If in any doubt ask a professional asbestos removal company to undertake an asbestos survey so that you are certain of what you dealing with before you start removing anything that could significantly harm your health.

To find out more about Asbestos and Asbestos Removal visit our dedicated site http://www.asbestosremoval.org.uk which also includes a Directory of UK companies that provide asbestos surveys and removal services.

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Asbestos - What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos - What Is Asbestos?
By Jam Hassan Mehmood

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that was once a highly regarded building material, well known for its ability to withstand fire and extreme temperatures. Strength and durability were coupled with excellent sound absorption qualities that were extremely sought after in the construction industry. The seemingly miraculous qualities of asbestos can help to explain why the potentially dangerous side affects from exposure to asbestos, where brushed under the carpet for so long.

Asbestos comes in three main types - white asbestos or 'chrysotile', brown asbestos or 'amosite' and finally, blue asbestos or crocidolite. Blue asbestos is considered the most dangerous of the three, due to the very sharp and fine structure of its fibres.

Bonded asbestos, another type of asbestos, is manufactured from bonding asbestos fibres to other materials such as cement. You can still find this type of asbestos today in both the home and industrial or commercial buildings. Bonded was regularly used in flat roofs, roof shingles and the corrugated roofs that are typically found in garages and other outbuildings. It is also found in textured paint on walls and ceilings, floor tiles and water and drainage pipes and it was heavily used in the manufacture of brake linings and insulation materials.

If disturbed and inhaled, particles can be extremely dangerous. Asbestos inhalation is known to cause some serious illnesses including and lung cancer. The dust can remain airborne for several hours and can also cling to fabric and other materials causing second hand asbestos exposure. Prolonged, long-term exposure greatly increases the risk of asbestosis.

For that reason the European Union has banned the use of all asbestos and its products and strict regulations now exist to prevent exposure to its particles.

Discovering asbestos in the roof, walls or flooring of your home or office can be frightening, but it is important to remember that asbestos is only harmful when the fibres are actually disturbed and become airborne. If for example, your roof is not showing signs of wear and tear, then it is unlikely you will be at risk of exposure to asbestos. If asbestos is well maintained and covered with an impermeable layer of paint or other such substance, this will help prevent dust release and stop the asbestos being a threat to your health.

This is very important to consider, as many people simply panic when discovering and rush to replace an asbestos roof for a new one. This is not only an expensive option, but it can be a dangerous one. If the asbestos roofing is not removed by professionals it can release dangerous particles into the atmosphere. A cheaper and sometimes safer option is to have the asbestos roof repaired by specialists and coated with a specially designed asbestos coating for roofs. That way the asbestos is not disturbed and you can safely extend the life of your roof. Wherever you discover asbestos, you must never try asbestos removal yourself - you should always consult a professional asbestos removal company.

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What is Asbestos and How Exposure is Hazardous to Your Health

What is Asbestos and How Exposure is Hazardous to Your Health
By David Austin

Asbestos is a silicate mineral that naturally occurs and has the appearance of crystals with separable long fibers. It is inextinguishable and flexible; so it became widely used as insulation and other products that require resistance to heat, low conductivity to electricity, and high tensile strength. It is highly toxic and hazardous to health. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause individuals to develop serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. There is some evidence that links asbestos exposure to cancers of the esophagus, throat, kidneys, gallbladder, intestines, and colon.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer often caused by prolonged and heavy exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis is a disorder of the respiratory system often characterized by scars in lung tissues. Lung cancer is a condition not directly caused by asbestos inhalation but can be aggravated when combined with smoking.

Asbestos is not man-made substance but a naturally-occurring mineral found in almost all continents around the world. It is still mined in several countries like Canada and Russia. Other countries have completely banned the mining of asbestos due to its lethal effects to humans.

Before the US government has regulated use of asbestos, the mineral has been widely used in commercial products like: building insulation, vinyl flooring, cement, ceiling tiles, roofing tiles, caulk, textiles, and brake shores. Asbestos is present in the environment at very low levels and becomes highly dangerous in concentrated levels often found in the workplace. Therefore, individuals who are likely to suffer from serious illnesses caused by asbestos are working in high-risk occupations involved in the following: construction and building work, shipbuilding, auto mechanics, demolition work, dry walling, firefighting, and textiles. These days, the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ensures that workers are provided with protective gears and masks to reduce risk of exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of illnesses related to asbestos typically appear after many decades, about 30 to 50 years or so. Depending on the spread and condition of the disease, symptoms may include: chest pain, swelling, coughing, hoarseness, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. People who develop any of these symptoms and have history of asbestos exposure must seek medical help immediately.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about What is Asbestos at his website. http://www.Burke-Eisner.com

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What is Asbestos Cancer?

What is Asbestos Cancer?
By Matt Murren

Exposure to a constant and high level of asbestos can often times lead to cancer. Mesothelioma and lunch cancer are to of the most common asbestos cancers reported today. Gastrointestinal cancer and colorectal cancer have also been highly reported due to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a highly hazardous chemical that was commonly used in homes and buildings starting in the 1930's. Asbestos was used as insulation in walls as well as the backing for flooring. What makes this chemical so harmful to people is that when dry, the small shards of asbestos break off and become airborne which then creates the chance of inhaling the chemical. If asbestos is inhaled on a consistent basis, the shards attach onto the lunch tissue and in the breathing airway. After a while of continuous exposure, shards become inflamed which can lead to the growth of cancerous tumors.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that unfortunately is extremely difficult, if not impossible to cure. It attacks the thin lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart and typically affects 2,000-3,000 people every year. The link between Mesothelioma and asbestos was not originally known as most types of this cancer have not progressed to a cancerous form for 20-50 years after exposure. However, scientists who have researched for decades on the link have found that the two are directly related to each other.

Lung cancer, another commonly diagnosed cancer caused by asbestos is equally as dangerous as Mesothelioma, but this cancer can be linked to other issues such as smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke and not just asbestos exposure. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer are chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic coughing, a change in color of sputum or blood in your sputum. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, headaches and weight loss. Contact your physician immediately if you are concerned that this cancer may have been caused by a constant level of asbestos.

Since Asbestos cancer takes such a long time to come out of dormancy, and the signs and symptoms are so subtle, that a trip to your physician is not warranted until it is too late. In cases of cancer caused by asbestos, many times these cancers are incurable because they were not aware of the sickness to begin with.

Get instant information on Asbestos Cancer at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com - Asbestos Cancer

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What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?
By P T Andrews

Until 20 years ago most of hadn't even heard of Asbestos until its hazardous properties were highly publicised in the mid 1980s.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with long fibrous crystals. It is these fibres that cause Asbestos's toxicity due to the harm they cause when inhaled into the lungs. Inhalation of Asbestos can cause a number of very serious illnesses such as lung cancer and Pneumoconiosis.

Historically Asbestos has been used for many different purposes. In fact the Greeks nicknamed Asbestos the miracle mineral due to its versatility and ability to withstand extreme heat. Most famously Asbestos was utilised in construction but its uses were far more widespread - the material's heat resistance made it an ideal electrical insulator for wires and cabling for ovens and its strength was appreciated in the weaving of fabrics for clothing and table cloths etc. By the mid 20th century Asbestos was being used everywhere, examples of products utilising Asbestos are as follows: roof tiles, flooring, pipe insulation, ceiling insulation, lawn furniture, cement for fire places, brake pads for vehicles, protective clothing for firemen etc.

Unfortunately the real dangers of Asbestos were not fully understood until recently, by which time a high percentage of buildings, particularly those erected in the late 1800s and early 1900s, already contained a significant amount in their walls and roofs. Before Asbestos's toxicity was brought to light it had been considered an ideal building material - it was known to be highly fire retardant, have high electricity resistance and, most importantly, was easy and cheap to use.

Sadly heavy use of asbestos in years gone by has exposed past generations of construction workers, carpenters and roofers to asbestos and many now suffer lung disease as a result. Asbestos is only hazardous when the fibres become airborne because it is then that they can be inhaled. Once inhaled the fibres cannot be expelled due to their size, so they become lodged in the lung tissue.

Asbestos is now banned, either in whole or in part, in 60 countries worldwide including all of those in the European Union.

Asbestos Regulation

In 1970 the Asbestos industry maintained a voluntary ban on Blue Asbestos (the most harmful type of Asbestos) in its raw form. The ban did not, however, cover products containing the material. This ban was extended to Brown Asbestos (considered the 2nd most dangerous type) in 1980.

It wasn't until 1986 that the UK Government imposed an official ban on the two most harmful forms of Asbestos, and any products that contained them. The official policy was introduced to: "Prohibit the most hazardous forms and activities, namely the importation, supply and use of blue and brown (crocidolite and amosite) asbestos, asbestos spraying and the installation of asbestos insulation, License most work with asbestos insulation or coatings and Strictly control the remaining risks to anyone working with asbestos (and others affected by them)".

In 2006 the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 came into force. These new regulations combine the three previous sets of regulations covering the prohibition, control and licensing of Abestos.

The regulations prohibit the importation, supply and use of all three forms of Asbestos - Blue, Brown and white.

If you are concerned about asbestos contained within the structure of your work building or home, contact your nearest reputable Health and Safety Consultants and ask them to conduct an Asbestos Survey on the property.

Health & Safety Consultants

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