We Used to Invite a Crystal Killer Called Asbestos Into Our Homes

<p>The first bell that asbestos rings in the mind is with cancer, but once upon a time, it was hailed for its strength, versatility, durability, and cheapness. This fibrous material, once a mainstay of construction, manufacturing, and other industries, is now a well-known health hazard. </p> <p>Here’s a rundown of the facts on asbestos.</p> <h2>What is asbestos?</h2> <p>Asbestos is a catch-all term covering a group of naturally occurring materials known for their long, thin fibrous crystals. The material found its way into shipbuilding and homes because of its heat resistance, flexibility, and insulating properties.</p> <h2>Types of asbestos</h2> <p>There are six types of asbestos materials broken down into two distinct groups: chrysotile (serpentine) and amphibole.</p> <h3>Chrysotile (serpentine) asbestos</h3> <p>Also known as white asbestos, this type was the most commonly used form. It is known for its curly fibers that can be woven together.</p> <h3>Amphibole asbestos</h3> <p>There are five types of asbestos covered under this group: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. These forms have straight, needle-like fibers.</p> <figure><img alt="Types of Asbestos | Source: Asbestorama/Flickr" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/1dmEE3PuLd/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Types of Asbestos. <em>Source: Asbestorama/Flickr</em></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Where was asbestos found? </h2> <p>Back in the day, you could find asbestos everywhere. It was in:</p> <ul> <li>Building materials like insulation, roofing parts, floor tiles, and cement products</li> <li>Cars through their brake pads, clutches, and gaskets</li> <li>Consumer products such as hairdryers and cigarette filters</li> <li>Industrial equipment like boilers, pipes, and furnaces</li> </ul> <p>Nowadays, due to its health risks, many countries have clamped down on its use, but you can still find it in old buildings and products. In the US, restrictions have been placed on its use but not an outright ban.</p> <figure><img alt="Asbestos Roof Shingles | Source: Amiant/Wikimedia" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8dnbb35ivd/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Asbestos Roof Shingles. <em>Source: Amiant/Wikimedia</em></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Health risks of asbestos</h2> <p>Asbestos exposure is infamously dangerous. We learned over time that the material is connected to several serious conditions that can take years if not decades to develop following exposure. These include:</p> <h3>Mesothelioma</h3> <p>Perhaps the most well-known associated risk of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that targets the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Inhaling asbestos fibers is the main cause, and even short-term exposure can lead to this life-threatening disease. </p> <p>Crucially, mesothelioma often goes undetected until the condition is advanced, making it difficult to treat.</p> <h3>Lung cancer</h3> <p>Exposure to asbestos raises the risk of lung cancer, especially if you’re a smoker. When you inhale asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the lungs, triggering inflammation and scarring over time. This damage can eventually pave the way for lung cancer, even decades after the initial exposure.</p> <h3>Asbestosis</h3> <p>A chronic lung condition characterized by scarring in the lung tissue that leads to breathing trouble and heart failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a nagging cough, and tightness in the chest. Asbestosis isn’t cancerous, but it does seriously impact quality of life and lung function.</p> <h3>Pleural diseases</h3> <p>Pleural diseases aren’t cancerous, but they cause changes in the membrane that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity. Through asbestos exposure, the membrane may become thicker throughout or in isolated parts. Fluid may build up in the lungs (pleural effusion). Not everyone with pleural changes goes on to have breathing problems, but some people’s lungs become less efficient.</p> <figure><img alt="Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases | Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Kq2j5nuLq5/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases. <em>Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute</em></figcaption> </figure> <h2>How common is asbestos exposure?</h2> <p>Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives because low levels of it are practically everywhere. Most people do not get asbestos-related diseases, however. Those who do tend to have regular exposure over a long period of time.</p> <p>The greatest risk of exposure was before the 1970s, but it can still happen today. New cases continue to emerge because of how long it takes to develop symptoms. Work regulations have significantly cut down on exposure, but it can still happen by accident.</p> <h2>Removal of asbestos</h2> <p>Given the severe risks connected to exposure, removing asbestos from your life is non-negotiable. Asbestos use has declined dramatically, but it’s still around, so it’s worth investigating whether this silent killer is lurking in your environment.</p> <h3>Identification</h3> <p>Thorough building inspections should be conducted to assess the presence of asbestos in materials. This is particularly relevant during renovations or demolition projects. You need qualified professionals to do the job properly.</p> <h3>Safe handling and removal</h3> <p>If you know asbestos is present, don’t just jump in there and start ripping things out. Removing asbestos must be done safely through established protocols so as to avoid exposure. Otherwise, you’ll release harmful fibers into the air and create a hazard.</p> <h3>Protective measures</h3> <p>For those working in industries where exposure is possible, you need personal protective equipment to defend yourself. Respirators and disposable coveralls along with safety protocols are needed to keep people safe.</p> <h3>Regulations</h3> <p>Governments and other regulatory authorities take a large share of the responsibility for protecting public health from asbestos. Properly enforced regulations related to the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos are needed to minimize the risk of exposure in our communities and workplaces.</p> <h2>More on Asbestos</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/5mryxkvfzj-asbestos" target="_blank">Asbestos: Properties, Uses, Health Effects, Exposure Prevention</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/yj598qyhnw-asbestos-related-lung-diseases" target="_blank">Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases: Types, Risk Factors, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/oja88qn14w-mesothelioma" target="_blank">Mesothelioma: Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis</a></li></ul>