Risks of asbestos exposure

Only certains types of asbestos exposure carries a risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is so widely used that the entire population has been exposed to some degree. Air, drinking water, and a variety of consumer products all may contain small amounts of asbestos. In addition, asbestos fibers are released into the environment from natural deposits in the earth and as a result of wear and deterioration of asbestos products. Disease is unlikely to result from a single, high-level exposure, or from a short period of exposure to lower levels of asbestos.

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

Asbestos exposure is a well-known risk factor in the development of mesothelioma. But what is asbestos? It is a common form of magnesium silicate which was used in various construction products due to it's stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing or construction since inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers over a period of years was found to be a dangerous carcinogen. The FDA banned asbestos in certain applications in 1989.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Since the asbestos ban of 1989, the EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it. In June 2000, the Consumer Product Safety Commision concluded that the risk of children's exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low. However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to reformulate their products within a year. In August 2000, the EPA recommended that consumers reduce possible asbestos exposure from vermiculite-containing garden products by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. The EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it and avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Asbestos comes in different forms. Different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile (the most common commercial form of asbestos), particularly for mesothelioma. Even so, no fiber type can be considered harmless, and people working with asbestos should always take proper safety precautions to limit exposure.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Part of the reason why asbestos exposure was such a pervasive problem is because of the many uses for asbestos. Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then, it has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry has used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos.

Getting more information about mesothelioma

Since the EPA ban on asbestos, widespread public concern about the hazards of asbestos have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos. Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 719,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 9,000 metric tons by 2002. Asbestos is currently used most frequently in gaskets and in roofing and friction products.

Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distrubuted. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers have not agreed on what constitutes a "safe level" of exposure, but the dangers of prolonged exposure are well known, and increase over time.

Risks of asbestos exposure

In addition to mesothelioma, another health problem caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis. This is a lung disease that was first found in naval shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in thye lunk tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by secreting an acid. This acid is unable to affect the fiber, due to its high chmical resistance. But the surrounding tissue can become scarred. Over time, this scarring can become so severe that the lungs cannot function. Generally, a case of asbestosis takes between 25 to 40 years to fully develop.

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

The dangers of long-term asbestos expsoure that result in mesothelioma and asbestosis were only gradually realized. In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. Additionally, asbestos was voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers of electric hair dryers. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. However, most people do not develop mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma

Although asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left along and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when materials containing asbestos are distured or damaged that it becomes a hazard. When asbestos containing material is damaged, the fibers separate and may become airborne. Asbestos materials that are too hard or strong to be reduced to dust by hand pressure is not regulated, so long as they are not subjected to machine grinding, sanding, or other processes that can release asbestos fibers.