The Mechanics of Asbestos | Mytour

Given asbestos' dangers and its removal since the 1980s, why hasn't it all been eliminated by now? Despite our efforts, asbestos has existed for over 3,000 years, giving it a significant head start. Eradicating it is no simple task—it's not as easy as changing your clothes. Furthermore, asbestos is not inherently dangerous unless it is disturbed.

Although the United States hasn't produced asbestos since 2002, it still imports roughly 3,000 tons annually. Many older buildings still contain it [source: Asbestos Project Plan]. Why? Because removing it can be more hazardous than leaving it undisturbed. If properly sealed, asbestos poses no threat. It's a naturally occurring material, so we're all exposed to it to some extent. The key difference is the level of exposure.

The real danger with asbestos arises when we breathe in the fibers. While many are exhaled naturally, some fibers may linger, causing scarring and inflammation in our lungs. Over time, these fibers, known for their strength and durability, can remain in the lungs indefinitely, potentially leading to serious respiratory diseases. Even if we feel healthy now, the same fibers we inhale today could result in cancer decades later.

What Exactly is Asbestos? And How Can We Safeguard Ourselves and Our Families from Its Hazards? In this article, we will dive into the details of asbestos and everything you need to be aware of.

How Can You Identify Asbestos?

In its common commercial forms, asbestos resembles attic insulation—clumpy, thick fuzz. The microscopic asbestos fibers that are released into the air are not visible to the naked eye. The U.S. government describes asbestos as a naturally occurring group of fibrous minerals known for their strength, ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and chemicals [source: EPA]. The federal definition of asbestos includes the following types:

Both chrysotile and amphibole asbestos are linked to respiratory diseases, but amphibole's more resilient, thinner fibers are considered far more hazardous. They are more likely to remain in the lungs for extended periods, increasing the risk of mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry]. However, chrysotile, which is more flexible, still accounts for about 95 percent of all asbestos found in commercial products and is also regarded as carcinogenic [source: Encyclopedia Britannica].

Asbestos has a long history of use, going back thousands of years to the ancient Greeks. Its strength and resistance to heat and erosion made it an ideal material for builders, and it was even incorporated into some clothing due to its fire-resistant properties. The modern production of asbestos began in 1868, with the mining of deposits [source: Encyclopedia Britannica].

The first reports of long-term harmful effects from asbestos exposure emerged in the 1970s, though suspicions about its dangers had been raised much earlier. In 1989, the U.S. government imposed a ban on asbestos-containing products, but this regulation was overturned in 1991. Despite that, certain asbestos products remained banned, along with any 'new uses' of the material [source: EPA]. So where can we still find asbestos? Keep reading to discover more.

Where Can Asbestos Be Found?

The truth is, we're all exposed to asbestos to some extent, but the amounts are usually so minimal that they don't pose any danger. Typically, the air concentration of asbestos fibers ranges from 0.00001 to 0.0001 fibers per milliliter. For comparison, U.S. workplaces limit asbestos exposure to 0.1 fiber/mL, and significant exposure is defined as years of being exposed to 0.125 to 30 fibers/mL [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry].

In the natural world, fibrous asbestos is found within rocks, primarily ultramafic rock (a type of igneous rock), which is common in much of California and in areas near fault lines. Not every ultramafic rock contains asbestos, but all ultramafic rocks have the potential to house asbestos veins [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry]. Mining regions in the eastern U.S. have also revealed the presence of naturally occurring asbestos. To release the fibers for use and to make them airborne, the rock must be crushed.

Asbestos is still present in certain commercial products, such as heat and sound insulation, fireproofing materials, and building components like roofing and flooring. Additionally, older automotive parts, such as disc brake pads and drum brake linings, contain asbestos due to its friction properties [source: Asbestos Project Plan]. Some new products containing asbestos have been banned, including flooring felt, cement shingles (also known as asbestos siding), and various commercial and specialty papers. However, older materials still containing asbestos are still found in many places [source: EPA].

Asbestos testing should only be performed by licensed agencies, and removal should only be carried out by trained professionals specializing in asbestos abatement. In some cases, it may be safer to seal the asbestos in place rather than remove it. For more information about the safest ways to remove asbestos from your home, refer to Is it safer to remove asbestos from a building or leave it there? In the event of emergency asbestos exposure, such as during Hurricane Katrina or the collapse of the World Trade Center, the best course of action is to evacuate the area (covering your mouth and nose with a wet cloth if possible) and reach out to local authorities or the Environmental Protection Agency for guidance on proper testing, removal, or containment.

Now that you're familiar with what asbestos is and where it can be found, let's discuss the warning signs to look for if you've been exposed to asbestos.

Health Conditions and Symptoms Linked to Asbestos Exposure

If you've been exposed to asbestos, how likely is it that you'll develop an illness? Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to show up, typically appearing 10 to 40 years after exposure. However, this timeframe depends on the specific illness and other factors, such as whether the individual smokes (which increases the risk of respiratory diseases). The amount, frequency, and duration of exposure also play a significant role in determining the likelihood of illness. The long, thin fibers of amphibole asbestos are more apt to reach the lower airways, causing inflammation in the lungs and pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry].

The three most prevalent diseases linked to asbestos exposure are lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. One common symptom they all share is difficulty breathing.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death from asbestos exposure, though it's not the sole factor involved [source: EPA]. Typical symptoms include coughing, chest pain, hoarseness, and anemia.

Asbestosis is caused by asbestos fibers damaging and scarring lung tissue. It tends to appear first among respiratory issues, often showing up 10 to 20 years after exposure [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry]. A notable symptom is a dry, crackling sound in the lungs during inhalation.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the pleura. The majority of mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure [source: Mesothelioma]. It can take years to develop and may initially be mistaken for pneumonia. Common symptoms include chest pain and a persistent cough.

If you suspect you have an asbestos-related respiratory illness, it’s crucial to consult a pulmonary specialist immediately.