What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers . Found these fibers naturally in soil and rocks in many parts of the world. It is mainly made of silicon and oxygen , but also contain other elements. There are 2 main types of asbestos :
Chrysotile asbestos, also known as chrysotile asbestos , is the most common type of asbestos in industrial applications. When I looked under the microscope, and wrap the asbestos fiber chrysotile about the same as in a spiral , and this is why this form of asbestos has also been called asbestos serpentine or curly .
Amphibole asbestos fibers are straight and needle-like . There are several types of amphibole fibers , including in that amosite ( brown asbestos ) , crocidolite ( blue asbestos ), tremolite and actinolite , anthophyllite .
Both types of asbestos cause cancer . Amphibole asbestos does not seem to be much more effective in bringing about a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat and many chemicals , and is not connected to electricity. As a result , asbestos was used as insulation material since ancient times. Since the industrial revolution , asbestos has been used to isolate factories, schools, houses , ships , and make cars brake and clutch parts , roofing shingles , ceiling tiles , cement , textiles and hundreds of other products.
During the first half of the 1900s, showed increasing evidence that breathing in asbestos cause scarring of the lungs . In the early 1900s , and it was exposure to asbestos dust in the workplace is controlled . Beginning in England in the 1930s , steps have been taken to protect workers in the asbestos industry by installing ventilation systems and exhaust. However , in an effort to build large ships during World War II , have been large numbers of workers to high levels of asbestos.
It has also become asbestos - related cancers recognized as the best in the second half of the 20th century , has taken measures to reduce exposure , including the development of radiation exposure standards and laws that prohibit the use of asbestos in building materials . There was a significant decline in the import and use of asbestos since the mid - 1970s , and we have been developing alternative insulation materials . As a result , decreased exposure to asbestos dramatically in the United States. However , it is still used in some products, it is still possible to be exposed to asbestos in the old buildings , and water pipes , and other places . Asbestos has been banned in the European Union for several years, although the ban does not require removal of asbestos that were already in place. However , there is still heavy asbestos use in some countries.
How can I avoid exposure to asbestos?
If there is a possibility you may be exposed to asbestos at work , such as during the restoration of old buildings , you must use all the protective equipment , work practices, and safety procedures are designed to work around asbestos. If you are concerned about exposure to asbestos in the workplace , discuss the situation with your employee health and safety representative or your employer . If necessary , the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) , and the federal agency responsible for health and safety rules in most workplaces , and to provide more information or inspection procedure.
If you live in an old house , there may be asbestos-containing insulation or other materials. Knowledgeable expert can check your home to determine if there is any asbestos and if it poses no risk of exposure . This may involve testing the air for asbestos levels . (Again , just to asbestos exists in the home does not necessarily mean that it needs to be removed . As long as the material is damaged or disturbed, for example by drilling or remodeling , no release fibers into the air. ) If needed asbestos to be removed from your home , you should hire a qualified contractor to perform this task to avoid contaminating your home or causing any exposure for your family or for workers. You should not attempt to remove materials containing asbestos yourself .