Asbestos is a natural mineral product that’s resistant to heat and corrosion. It was used extensively in the past in products such as insulation, fire-retardant materials, cement, and some vinyl floor tiles, and continues to be used today in many products and industries. The mineral’s tiny fibers are now known to stay in the body when inhaled, causing a host of deadly diseases, including asbestosis, a chronic and incurable lung inflammation, and mesothelioma. There is currently no correlation to why these asbestos fibers existence in the body lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis, while in others it may remain dormant. Some medical professionals believe it is the combination of the existence of these fibers along with a weakened immune system that may explain while some people who have been exposed to asbestos may not contract these types of asbestos related diseases, while others do. Symptoms may not manifest for decades after asbestos exposure, which can occur through jobs in mining, manufacturing and construction as well as through living or working in older buildings. Asbestos was known to cause health problems as early as 1906; it was confirmed to cause lung cancer in 1955. Scientists estimate that 27.5 million people in the United States were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979. Many countries have banned the use of asbestos; 52 countries to date including the US and the European Union, however many people will continue to be exposed to asbestos to this day. The reason is that due to increased importing and exporting of products, and the increase of overseas manufacturing and production, countries which may have banned certain types of asbestos, may still allow for the use of other types of asbestos dependant upon each countries specific laws and regulations regarding the use of asbestos. Some countries have only banned the use of chrysotile or “white asbestos”, but continue to use other forms of asbestos. Since asbestos in any form is a danger to one’s health, people may continue to be exposed without their knowledge.
All forms of asbestos are human carcinogens, which means that it is the known cause of mesothelioma and a host of other types of cancers and diseases. Being exposed to asbestos is always a risk, as exposure to asbestos in any form can lead to a mesothelioma or cancer diagnosis down the road.
Asbestos can be found in many forms, and occur as a result of six naturally occuring fibrous materials. Of the six, there are two configurations: serpentine and amphibole. Asbestos that is derived from serpentine material is known as chrysotile or “white asbestos”. This is the most commonly known form of asbestos and accounts for 95% of the asbestos used around the world. The other kind of asbestos, derived from amphibole material, includes five other variations including amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Of these the most commonly used are amosite, which is known as “brown asbestos”, and crocidolite, which is known as “blue asbestos.”
