subject: All About Asbestos [print this page] (NOTE: This article is meant to be a simple informational piece only. It's in no way intended to replace the opinion or diagnosis of your doctor.)
Although some people still don't know this compound is a natural formation that's found in the United States, and other countries. Comprised of a variety of different type silicate minerals, it was regularly used by people centuries ago for making their garments, funeral shrouds - and anything else combustible that was worn or was in close proximity to a person back then. Magic it was - and proved to be a gift from heaven to a people needing protection from angry fire gods of ancient times.
Then there's the bad news. Because of its fibrous composition, the compound breaks off into microscopic pieces with little effort, and permeates the air - causing the inadvertent intake of it by persons simply inhaling the oxygen around them. But worst of all - the bodies we inhabit are unable to process or expel this substance. Once there, it's there to stay. It then starts to build up, and gradually takes over the places occupied by healthy tissue and organs - namely, the lungs, heart, and stomach. And though it often lies dormant for a long time before it attacks - when it does, it's with a vengeance.
As far back as the late 1920s, the medical community tried unsuccessfully, to get the government to pay attention to the dangers of asbestos, and the severe health issues suffered by those exposed to it for repeated lengths of time. Although it was linked to many cases of death, the government didn't take action until the late 1970s - and then, only when EPA test results finally sounded their alarm.
They began to attempt the phasing out of any future use in certain consumer products. The material became a known hazard, and was stopped from being used in everyday consumer goods, such as hair dryers, miscellaneous construction materials - and others too numerous to list here.
Most people will be subjected to small amounts of airborne fibers a few times in their lives, and that's frightening enough to think about. But it's the ones who've held jobs either working around it, in it - and with no protection from it - who are now being hit the hardest with disabling illnesses.
Some industrial sites in which the compound was always on hand include shipping repair and building plants, as well as plants that manufactured it. Other professions now considered risky to work in, include, the abatement and removal trade responsible for getting rid of it, naturally, and the fields of electrical and plumbing. In addition, schools built post-war are also considered deadly - having been constructed of various supplies and materials made with the substance.
Some of the total devastation caused by exposure is clearly seen in the following examples of illnesses that are linked to it:
Asbestosis - An illness of the respiratory system that occurs when molecular changes occur from scarred lung tissue that has been aggravated with fiber build up. The patient becomes increasingly weak and unable to breathe, as oxygen intake diminishes. Many afflicted succumb to death from sudden respiratory arrest brought on by extreme respiratory distress.
Mesothelioma - In this cancer, it has settled in the lung lining, or mesothelium, and has caused the structure of the tissue to undergo a change - which eventually turns into a malignancy.
Some peritoneal cancers - Because fibers can settle into the peritoneal cavity lining, it is believed to be a precursor to the growth of certain types of malignancies of the gastrointestinal system.
Although sobering, this information about articles can be about asbestos, and the dangers caused from frequent exposure, is a subject everyone should familiarize themselves with. As new diseases are linked to it every year, it's important for you to see your doctor immediately, if you or a loved one have been exposed to it for any length of time.
by: Plius Phoe
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