“Let this magic mineral, Asbestos, protect the buildings on your farm!” proclaims a vintage Johns Manville asbestos advertisement. With its fireproof, rot-proof, and practically indestructible nature, asbestos quickly gained the interest of many construction companies and have been used commercially as early as 1858. You can read more of its modern uses here.
The glory days of asbestos, however, have come to an end.
In recent years, it has been found that, though pure asbestos still remain an effective insulator, when its dust is inhaled or ingested, the mineral fibers can forever be trapped in one’s body. It’s bad enough that something stays in your body for a long time, it is even worse when it leads to the growth of a tumor.
This article provides information on asbestos and the potential risk associated when exposed to it. One of the most notable effects is the development of mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer that affects the thin membrane protecting several of the body’s most important organs like the lungs, abdomen, and even the heart. There have only been about 2,000 cases reported in Australia and other places.
The main culprit? Asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma and asbestos have been linked together because of the apparent contributing factor of the latter to the said disease.
How are they connected?
When asbestos materials disintegrate, its thin, needle-like fibers can cause several cancers and diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos has been tagged as a carcinogen in the 1940s, but the material is still widely used throughout many industries today. Leaving the public of hazardous exposure. Exposure to the material could happen to anyone, and it could even go unnoticed for years since symptoms take decades to manifest. Here are some scenarios that could lead to exposure:
Occupational Exposure
Steel mills, breweries, power plants, and oil-refineries operate under extremely hot conditions. This leaves many workers and maintenance contractors at high risk of being exposed to asbestos-containing materials. Could this get any worse? As it turns out, yes! Unfortunately, many manufacturers still produce heat-resistant protective equipment made with the mineral. The same protective equipment that these workers have to use in their jobs daily. What’s supposed to protect them from other work hazards leaves them at an even greater risk!
Military Exposure
Asbestos exposure was almost inevitable for millions of military personnel during World War II. In fact, a war veteran that was exposed to asbestos counts as one out of every three mesothelioma diagnosis. Today, contractors for military ships have greatly reduced the usage of the mineral, but the same could not be said for the other vehicle and aircraft throughout military bases. Even in small amounts, asbestos-ingestion could still pose as a danger is accumulated for many years.
Product Exposure
Asbestos was especially popular in the 1900s, when construction technology was still limited to settling for what was available. As a result, many consumers fell at risk to the products manufactured and distributed by companies who relied on the material. Hair dryers and crock pots are just some of the consumer goods that were notorious for containing asbestos. Modern standards now have very low tolerance for such companies, and have since placed regulations to discontinue the use of asbestos entirely.
Talc Exposure
Talc, in its pure form, is generally safe. The danger comes when it becomes contaminated by asbestos. Since talc and asbestos deposits occur naturally in the same areas, talc can easily become contaminated with asbestos fibers when mining. Talcum powder products have tested positive over the years, which is why the prolonged use of unregulated talcum is a definite risk. Cosmetics are now tested for asbestos, but for many years, workers and consumers have been exposed, whether through mining or applying topical asbestos-containing products to the body. Ingestion of asbestos through talcum powder have led to consumers developing ovarian cancers like mesothelioma. The scary thing is that these numbers are still rising today.
Secondary Exposure
Approximately 20% of mesothelioma cases are due to secondary exposure and occurs when individuals who work in asbestos-contaminated environments carry around asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin, or hair. Fibers can cling onto fabrics and skin, making them transferable to those who may not have been exposed otherwise. These then eventually end up in their homes, and in the worst cases, inhaled by their family members. Women are common victims of secondary exposure.
Should you be worried?
It is only natural for us to be worried. When our health is at risk, the only right thing we could do is take the proper actions to prevent it, or keep it from getting worse. There are numerous asbestos removal companies operating in Australia right now. One of the most reputed ones is AW Removals. They’ve had over two decades of experience in the industry, working with many types of businesses with the mission of safely ridding the world of asbestos. We are licensed, certified, and insured.