Asbestos exposure remains a big concern. Asbestos is still commonly found despite bans on its use. Because the substance is strongly linked to several incurable diseases, it is a major public health concern. As a result, many people have questions about asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral. It is mined from the earth in various sites throughout the world. The material resembles fibers made of microscopic, glass-like particles. The material is fireproof, does not melt at industrial temperatures, and makes an exceptional thermal insulator. This led to widespread use of the material during the Industrial Revolution. However, people rapidly noticed a link between the material and lung disease. Over time, this link became more and more clear, despite the fact that some of the disorders take decades to manifest.

Sources of Asbestos Exposure

The useful properties of asbestos led to its use in a number of common products. Many people were exposed in the process of directly mining, processing and machining the mineral for use as a building material. However, even people who did not work directly with the material could be exposed. For example, office workers who worked in asbestos plants could also develop cancers and lung diseases even if they did not directly handle the material. Along similar lines, the family members and spouses of asbestos workers have a higher rate of lung disease and cancer, presumably from asbestos fibers on workers’ clothing.

Additionally, many were exposed in manufacturing processes that worked with asbestos. For example, Navy shipyards during the world wars were a major source of asbestos exposure. Along similar lines, companies that made boilers and premade fireplaces often used asbestos. Construction workers may have also been exposed since the material was commonly used in buildings until it was banned in the 1970s. Until that point, houses often included asbestos-laden tiles, wall insulation, and even cement for both fireproofing and insulation. Even car brakes often contained asbestos, since brake pads can often heat up dangerously.

Consumers who used asbestos-bearing products could also have been exposed to the dangerous mineral. Asbestos-bearing products are ubiquitous. Some types of potting soil has asbestos. People with pre-1970s houses may encounter asbestos in their homes. Usually, asbestos in homes is not a concern since it is built into walls and other materials. However, remodeling can release asbestos particles, exposing homeowners.

Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos has been linked to a number of very serious diseases. One of the first noticed was a disease called asbestosis. Asbestosis is an inflammation of the lungs, in which irritation from asbestos fibers causes plaque to build up within the lungs. There is no treatment available, and it causes symptoms similar to emphysema.

Additionally, asbestos is linked to both lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest cavity. Both cancers have very poor outcomes. Often, the symptoms do not manifest until many years after the initial asbestos exposure.