Do You Know the Dangers Associated with Asbestos?

Most people have heard of asbestos and understand that it can be hazardous to the health, yet many of us don't know what asbestos actually is and why it can be harmful. It has been commonly known for several years now that asbestos can be extremely dangerous, yet most of us know so little about it.

Asbestos is a fibrous material that occurs naturally and became an extremely popular material for use in construction during the 1950s because of its sheer resilience. It is fire resistant, which made it an extremely popular material for housing and commercial buildings due to it providing an element of safety. In addition, it is a great insulator. It keeps heat in and the cold out whilst providing soundproofing, making it ideal for homes and commercial buildings.

There are many benefits for using asbestos in the construction of buildings, whilst on the same token there are extreme health risks associated with using it. Over time, as the realisation of just how dangerous the substance is, regulations for its use became gradually tighter. If inhaled, asbestos can cause severe respiratory problems and can often result in death.

Although asbestos is banned in construction today, many buildings that were built before the ban may well contain asbestos in its structure. Only when the asbestos fibres are exposed, will they pose a threat. This can occur if walls become cracked or broken, releasing dust into the air. However, more modern buildings use materials that tightly lock the asbestos within, preventing it from being released.

When the World Trade Centre was attacked on 9/11 and the towers came crashing down, over 1,00 tonnes of asbestos was released into the air. The effects of this are evident today, with the number of emergency workers in New York City diagnosed as having asbestos related respiratory illnesses rising sharply since the event happened 10 years ago.

Tags: mesothelioma | asbestosis | asbestos | 9/11 |




Do You Know the Dangers Associated with Asbestos?