| What is Asbestos? | | | | problem. The fibers may get caught in the |
| | | | lungs and create lung damage. Or, they may |
| According to the Asbestos Network, asbestos | | | | even be swallowed and become lodged in |
| actually refers to several naturally | | | | membranes of the gastrointestinal track, |
| occurring minerals. These minerals have been | | | | according to the Asbestos Network. Again, |
| used in commercial products to increase | | | | this could lead to cancer of the lungs or of |
| strength and flexibility. The Asbestos | | | | the GI tract. So while it may be thought that |
| Network claims that these minerals are a mix | | | | the lungs are the only place that can be |
| of metals, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. | | | | damaged, it is other parts of the body can be |
| Asbestos, like coal or gold is mined. Some of | | | | negatively affected by asbestos. |
| the countries that mine asbestos include the | | | | |
| United Sates, Canada, South America and the | | | | Who is at Risk? |
| former Soviet Union. | | | | |
| | | | According to the Asbestos Network, the "dose" |
| Types of Asbestos | | | | of asbestos that a person is exposed to |
| | | | equals the combination of the concentration, |
| Asbestos is not just one substance; in fact | | | | or the amount of asbestos in the air, and the |
| it can be divided into several different | | | | duration, or the length of time that a person |
| types, and these types can be divided into | | | | is exposed to asbestos. The more asbestos |
| two basic groups. These two groups are | | | | inhaled, the greater the chance of damage to |
| serpentine and amphibole. Environmental | | | | lungs or other internal organs. Also, the |
| Health and Safety claims that the serpentine | | | | Network says that cigarette smoking increases |
| group only contains one member: chrysotile. | | | | the likelihood of contracting an asbestos |
| This type of asbestos is the most common form | | | | disease as it decreases the general health of |
| found in buildings and is also known as | | | | the lungs. The Asbestos Network also lists |
| "white asbestos." | | | | several occupations that may be more likely |
| | | | to suffer from asbestos created diseases. |
| Both the Asbestos Network and Environmental | | | | These occupations include construction work, |
| Health and Safety list five different types | | | | ship building, railroad working and |
| of asbestos within the amphibole group. These | | | | automobile engineers. |
| five include amosite, crocidolite, | | | | |
| anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. | | | | How To Avoid It |
| Amosite is the second most prevalent type | | | | |
| found in building materials and is also | | | | There are several things that those who work |
| referred to as "brown asbestos." Crocidolite, | | | | around asbestos can do to limit their contact |
| "blue asbestos," is found in structures where | | | | with the cancer causing fibers. The American |
| the materials need to be safe from high | | | | Lung Association of Georgia insists on no |
| temperatures. The final three, anthyphyllite, | | | | eating or drinking while you are working. The |
| tremolite, and actinolite, are rarely found. | | | | Association also urges workers not to smoke |
| | | | and to follow proper guidelines when handling |
| Problems Related to Asbestos | | | | asbestos. Employers that place their |
| | | | employees in asbestos filled areas should |
| The Asbestos Network explains that contact | | | | have the employees properly trained on how to |
| with asbestos can cause diseases such as | | | | handle the substance, as well as how to avoid |
| asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma. The | | | | interacting with it. |
| fibrous nature of asbestos causes much of the | | | | |