The Reasons Asbestos Is So Hazardous
Asbestos is one of the most popular construction components before. It was used in many construction materials, which are used in most industrial and residential buildings. It became popular due to its anti-combustible components, which is an excellent help for fire prevention. But the usage of this material was only until 1970’s. It was banned and stopped due to its hazardous effect on health. To better understand this material, let us first define it, then we will explain the reasons for its harmful effect.
What is Asbestos material?
Asbestos is a material that is made of fine fibers that are as thin as needles. Its soft fiber is made of minerals, which is quite flexible in nature. Its fibrous minerals are resistant to heat, making it excellent protection against fire. It is also resistant to corrosion and electricity.
Because asbestos is resistant to heat, they are good insulators. However, inhalation of the dust that comes from such material is harmful to the body. The dust is trapped there forever, and it becomes very toxic.
The effect of trapped Asbestos dust
The trapped Asbestos dust in the body can cause scarring and inflammation that would eventually lead to genetic damage. Here are the results of it and the biggest reasons why asbestos is dangerous.
- Pleural Thickening – It’s the result of massive exposure to Asbestos. The lung is squeezed due to the thickening of its lining called the “Pleura.” As a result, there is swelling, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.
- Asbestosis – a fatal disease caused by intense scarring of the lungs due to massive exposure to the material.
- Mesothelioma – This is highly fatal lung cancer caused exclusively by exposure to Asbestos.
According to statistics there 5000 people who worked with this material die each year. Almost 20 tradesmen with past exposure die every week. There are many other cases of Asbestos exposure that result in fatalities.