Asbestos is made up of a group of minerals that occurs naturally in the form of a set of fibers. These fibers are found in soil and rocks in many parts of the world. They are made primarily of silicon and oxygen, although they also contain other elements. There are two main types of asbestos: In this article we will elaborate the definition of asbestos.
- Chrysotile , also known as white asbestos , is the most common type of asbestos in industrial applications. When viewed under a microscope, chrysotile fibers are coiled around each other in a spiral, which is why this form of asbestos is also known as serpentine or crimped asbestos.
- Amphibole asbestos fibers are in the form of straight needles. There are several types of amphibole fibers such as amosite (brown or brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite.
Both types of asbestos have been associated with cancer.
Asbestos fibers can be useful because they are strong, resistant to heat and many chemicals, and do not conduct electricity. Consequently, asbestos has been used as an insulating material for quite some time. Since the industrial revolution, asbestos has been used to insulate factories, schools, homes, and boats, as well as to make automobile brake and clutch parts, roof tiles, floor tiles, cement, textiles, and hundreds of other uses. other products.
During the first half of the twentieth century, evidence was mounting showing that breathing in places with asbestos fibers caused scarring deformity in the lungs. Asbestos dust exposure in the workplace was not controlled at the time. England was the first place during the 1930s where measures were taken to protect workers in the asbestos industry by installing ventilation and exhaust systems. However, during the great shipbuilding efforts of World War II, large numbers of workers were exposed to elevated levels of asbestos.
During the second half of the 20th century, as asbestos-related cancers became better detected, steps were taken to reduce exposure, setting standards against exposure, as well as laws prohibiting the use of asbestos for construction materials. In the United States, there has been a dramatic decline in the importation and use of asbestos since the mid-1970s, with alternative insulation materials having been developed. As a consequence of this, asbestos exposure has decreased dramatically. However, asbestos is still used in some products and it is still possible to be exposed to asbestos in some older buildings and pipes, among other structures. The use of asbestos has been prohibited in the European Union since 2005, although this prohibition does not require the removal of asbestos in existing structures. However, the use of asbestos in large quantities continues to occur in some countries.
TYPES OF ASBESTOS
TYPES OF ASBESTOS | FEATURES | PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS |
Chrysolite | – Flexible, fine and silky fibers | – Resists heat but not acids |
Amosite | – Shiny and straight fibers | – Resistant to heat and acids |
Crocidolite | – Straight fibers of intense blue color | – Very resistant to acids |
anthophyllite | – Straight, shiny and white fibers | – Its industrial application is less because exploitation is less |
tremolite | – Greenish-white silky fibers | – It is used as an ornament, precious stone and for the manufacture of fireproof suits and protections |
Actinolite | – Translucent parallel fibers | – Used as an ornament and precious stone |
At above you read about the definition of asbestos now we will explain its exposure to people.
How are people exposed to asbestos?
People can be exposed to asbestos in different ways:
- Inhalation of asbestos: Exposure primarily comes from inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. This may occur during asbestos mining and processing, as well as during the production of asbestos-containing products or the installation of asbestos-containing insulation. It may also happen during the demolition or renovation of old buildings, or when old asbestos-containing material begins to break down. In either of these situations, the asbestos fibers tend to create a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air.
- Swallowing Asbestos Fibers: Asbestos fibers can also be swallowed, which can occur when people consume contaminated food or liquids (such as water flowing through asbestos-cement pipes). It can also occur when people cough up inhaled asbestos and then swallow their saliva.
Many people are exposed to very low levels of naturally occurring asbestos outdoors as a result of the erosion of asbestos-containing stone. The risk of such exposure is greater in regions where the rocks have a higher asbestos content. In some regions, asbestos can be detected in the water supply as well as in the air. It can find its way into the water through various sources, such as soil or rock erosion, corrosion of asbestos-cement pipes, or the breakdown of asbestos-containing roofing materials, which then pass into sewers after to rain.
However, the people with the highest exposure are those who worked in the asbestos industry, such as ship building and handling of insulation material. Many of these people remember working in thick clouds of asbestos dust, day after day.
Family members of asbestos workers may also be exposed to high levels, since workers bring asbestos fibers into their homes through their clothing and can be inhaled by others in the home.
Asbestos exposure in older buildings is also an existing concern. If asbestos-containing building materials, such as older insulation, tiles, and tile begin to break down over time, asbestos fibers can be found in indoor air, potentially posing a threat to human health. There is no health risk if asbestos is embedded in intact finished products, such as walls and slabs. As long as the material is not damaged or disrupted (for example, by drilling or reshaping), the fibers will not be released into the air. Maintenance workers who sweep and dispose of asbestos dust, or who handle damaged asbestos-containing materials, are often exposed to higher levels than other people in those buildings.
Although asbestos use has decreased in the United States, people can still be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. In recent years, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has estimated that more than one million American employees in the construction industry and other sectors face significant exposure to asbestos at work.
Asbestos mining and use is also still a health hazard in some parts of the world. Mining in the Russian Federation, China, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Canada and Zimbabwe accounts for almost all of the world’s asbestos production. Much of what is produced is used in the Russian Federation (and other former Soviet Union countries) and Asia, and its use is increasing in some areas. In 2005, the World Health Organization estimated that approximately 125 million people worldwide were exposed to asbestos in their jobs, despite its known association with cancer and other lung diseases for more than 60 years.
Properties
The characteristics of the asbestos mineral in terms of its composition and structure give this substance special properties:
Thermal, electrical and acoustic insulation , due to the large specific surface area provided by its fibrous structure, because they are insulators of electricity and due to their large internal volume within the fibrous structure, respectively.
Resistance to fire (especially chrysotile, crocidolite or blue asbestos and amosite) and mechanical aggression (friction, stress)
Chemical resistance to attack by acids and bases: chrysotile is more sensitive to bases. The amphiboles, mainly crocidolite and amosite, are very resistant to acid attacks.
Flexibility . In the case of chrysotile, the softness and flexibility of its fibers allow it to be spun and braided.
The physical and chemical properties of asbestos and its low cost have favored its use throughout history and, in the 20th century, its incorporation into production processes both in industry and in the construction of buildings and the production of building materials. all. The materials manufactured with asbestos are of very diverse types and with numerous applications.
After reading the definition of asbestos lets see its properties and applications.
Applications
Below is a non-exhaustive compilation of materials with asbestos (from now on MCA):
As a thermal, acoustic and electrical INSULATING material
● Thermal and acoustic: filling of air chambers in walls, ceilings, roofs, etc.
● Thermal, acoustic and fireproof. False ceilings, partition walls
● Electrical.
○ Insulation of electrical panels and spark arrestors
○ Cardboard and paper with asbestos (it releases fibers easily)
● Acoustic.
○ In finishing facades, light partitions or roofs, false ceilings, partition walls, etc.
○ Acoustic absorber in theaters, recording studios, etc.
Due to its mechanical resistance to friction and resistance to humidity
vinyl asbestos
● On pavement (on pavements, skirting boards, corners and stair edges),
● sealing mastics (in joints of ducts, windows, etc.) and
● look-alikes (vinyl flooring adhesives, tile adhesives, etc.).
fiber cement products
Fiber cement is the best known and most used application in construction. For example, it has been used in the preparation of:
● Corrugated sheets for roofs (Uralita),
● blinds,
● water pipes and channels,
● water storage tanks,
● roofing tiles,
● Paints (in filler coatings for plastics and medical product packaging),
● gardening and decoration items (such as planters).
friction elements
● Brakes (elevators, forklifts, etc.),
● shoes, clutch discs, and brake pads in motor vehicles,
Paints and varnishes for cladding and walls, high baseboards in corridors, paints to mark pavements, etc. ,
Sealants, putties and adhesives
● Sealing putties in joints of ducts, windows, pavements, etc.
● Adhesives for vinyl flooring, tile, etc.
Due to its resistance to high temperatures:
● Fire protection of building structures, fire partitions, evacuation routes, elevator shafts.
● Thermal insulation on roofs and facades, (projected in chambers or as exterior mortar)
● Coating of ovens, boilers, stoves, radiators, etc.
● Toasters, thermos, ironing cloths and others for domestic use.
● Insulation in radiators and chimneys, filling of fire doors
● Laboratory instruments: tweezers, grids, drying oven door insulation
Due to its chemical resistance against the attack of bases and acids
● Laboratory instruments
Because of its softness and flexibility (chrysotile asbestos) that allowed it to be spun, woven or braided. Used in heat insulation, fire protection, joint sealing, electrical insulation:
ropes and fabrics
● Braided rope and textiles for insulation of heating and hot water pipes, boilers, turbines and ovens. Cord for sealing furnace and boiler doors
● Gaskets in boilers and pipes
● Flame retardant blankets, curtains, curtains
● Electrical insulation tapes, spark arrestors in electrical panels.
Does asbestos cause cancer?
Researchers use two main types of tests to try to find out if a substance causes cancer.
- Studies in people: One type of study looks at cancer rates in different groups of people. Such a study might compare the rate of cancer in a group exposed to a substance with the rate in a group not exposed to it, or compare this to the rate of cancer in the general population. However, it can be difficult to know what the results of the studies mean, since many other factors could affect the results.
- Laboratory studies: In laboratory studies, animals are exposed to a substance (often in very high doses) to see if it causes tumors or other health problems. Researchers might also expose normal cells in a lab dish to the substance to see if it causes the kinds of changes seen in cancer cells. It’s not always clear whether the results of these types of studies will apply to humans, but laboratory studies are a good way to find out if a substance can cause cancer.
In most cases, no single type of study provides sufficient evidence on its own. Therefore, researchers generally look at both human and laboratory studies when trying to find out if something causes cancer.
There is evidence from studies, both in people and in laboratory animals, that asbestos can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may stick to mucus in the throat, trachea, bronchi (larger airways of the lungs), and may be removed by coughing or swallowing. But some fibers reach the end of the small airways in the lungs, or penetrate the outer lining of the lung and chest wall ( pleura ). These fibers may irritate lung cells or the pleura, eventually causing lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Studies in people
Lung cancer
Inhalation of asbestos fibers has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in many studies of workers exposed to asbestos. This increased risk has been seen with all forms of asbestos (there is no “safe” type of asbestos in relation to lung cancer risk). In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the risk of lung cancer. Most cases of lung cancer among this group of people occur at least 15 years after first exposure to asbestos.
The risk of lung cancer is even higher in workers exposed to asbestos who also smoke than adding the risks of these exposures separately.
mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that in most cases affects the thin linings of organs in the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) region.
Mesothelioma is closely linked to asbestos exposure. All forms of asbestos have been associated with mesothelioma, although amphibole asbestos appears to cause this cancer at lower levels of exposure compared to chrysotile asbestos.
Most cases of mesothelioma are the result of exposure to asbestos at work. There is also an increased risk of mesothelioma among family members of workers and people who live in neighborhoods near asbestos mines and factories. Although the risk of mesothelioma increases with the amount of asbestos exposure, there is no clear level of asbestos exposure that is safe in relation to the risk of mesothelioma.
Mesotheliomas commonly require a long time to develop. The time between initial exposure to asbestos and a diagnosis of mesothelioma is typically 30 years or more. Unfortunately, the risk of developing mesothelioma is not reduced after initial exposure to asbestos. It seems that the risk is for life.
Unlike lung cancer, the risk of mesothelioma is not higher among smokers.
other types of cancer
There are studies that also report a clear relationship between exposure to asbestos in the workplace with ovarian and laryngeal cancer .
Some studies have also suggested that exposure to asbestos at work may be linked to other types of cancer, including pharyngeal (throat), stomach, colon, and rectal cancers. However, the relationship between these types of cancer and asbestos is not as determined as it is with the other types of cancer detailed in this content. For throat cancer, the relationship is strongest for the hypopharynx, the part of the throat closest to the larynx (voice box). It’s not clear exactly how asbestos might affect the risk of developing these types of cancer, but ingesting asbestos by swallowing might somehow contribute to the risk.
How can I avoid exposure to asbestos?
If there is a possibility of being exposed to asbestos in your workplace, for example, in the renovation of old buildings, you should wear the appropriate protective equipment and follow the appropriate work practices and safety procedures for working around asbestos . If you have concerns about asbestos exposure in your workplace, discuss this situation with your worker safety and health representative, or directly with your employer. If necessary, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration .The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is the federal agency responsible for regulating safety and health in most workplaces, can provide you with more information or conduct an inspection.
If you live in an older home, the insulation or other materials may contain asbestos. A surveyor or expert in the field can inspect your home to determine if asbestos is present and if it poses an exposure risk. This may involve testing the air for asbestos levels (as mentioned above, just because there is asbestos in a home doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be removed; as long as the material isn’t damaged or disrupted, by example when drilling or reshaping, the fibers will not be released into the air). If asbestos removal is required in your home, use the services of a qualified contractor to do this work and avoid further contaminating your home, as well as causing any exposure to your family and workers.
What should I do if I have been exposed to asbestos?
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to determine the amount of your exposure. If you were exposed only briefly or to very low levels, the risk of this resulting in illness is likely to be low. However, if you were exposed to high levels or for long periods of time, you may be at increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, or one of the other diseases listed above. You can help protect your health in several ways:
- If you smoke, it is extremely important that you stop. Evidence suggests that asbestos-exposed workers who quit smoking can significantly reduce their risk of developing lung cancer.
- Talk to your doctor about whether you should have routine medical checkups for signs of asbestos-related illness. This is especially important if you are a smoker. You may want to see a doctor who has experience with these types of diseases. Some doctors recommend that people with high asbestos exposure have regular X-rays or CT scans, as well as lung function tests. These tests cannot detect the asbestos fibers themselves, but they can sometimes detect problems, including some cancers, that could be caused by the fibers. In fact, some expert groups advise that asbestos exposure alone is enough to consider undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans to screen for lung cancer,
- Tell your doctor if you start to have symptoms that could be related to asbestos exposure, such as shortness of breath, new or worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain or tightness, trouble swallowing, or loss of unintentional weight. See your doctor right away for any respiratory conditions you have.
- Ask your doctor about getting flu and pneumonia shots.
If you have already been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, there are places you can go for financial help with treatment. Some people with one of these conditions may be eligible for Medicare coverage. There may also be people who qualify for help, including payment of medical bills, under various workers’ compensation programs. This may include state workers’ compensation programs, the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program. Eligible veterans may receive care at a Department of Veterans Administration (VA)-affiliated health care facility for asbestos-related illnesses.
We hope that after reading this article you have understood the definition of asbestos along with other aspects related to this phenomenon.