Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occuring mineral that is known to cause respiratory problems and specific types of cancer. This article is intended to share with you valuable information on asbestos so you can make well informed decisions when handling products containing the mineral. As you will learn, some forms of asbestos are safer then others. Special care, equipment and training is required to handle, remove and dispose of asbestos related substances and great care must be taken to avoid site contamination and the release of airborne particles that can cause serious injury.
The word asbestos is derived from a Greek adjective meaning not-extinguishable or indestructible. Due to its soft, pliant properties and its ability to resist heat and acid, this mineral was viewed as a miracle substance. Chrysotile, a commonly used form of asbestos is derived from the Greek words chryos meaning gold and tilos meaning fiber. Other cultures have referred to asbestos as rock floss, mountain leather and incombustible linen.
The fire resistance properties of asbestos and its utilization dates back thousands of years. The early Romans used asbestos as a building material, in women’s clothing, and wove asbestos into a fire retardant cloth. In the late 19th century, asbestos became increasingly popular with manufactures due to its tensile strength and other resistant properties. Manufactures wove asbestos into fabric or mats and added it to cement to produce heat resistant materials. Asbestos type building materials gained popularity with builders when they learned asbestos was also resistance to electrical and chemical damage and had sound absorption properties. In the past asbestos was used in varies products including floor and ceiling tiles, automotive brakes and transmissions, cement and textiles. In the 1900s medical evidence establishes exposure to asbestos cause respiratory ailments and cancer.
Contents: What is Asbestos, Types of Asbestos, Historical Use of Asbestos, Health Risks, Risk of Exposure, Asbestos Related Diseases, Asbestos Law & Regulations, Asbestos Abatement, Asbestos Products, Non-asbestos Products,
What is Asbestos
Asbestos is identified as a group of naturally occurring minerals with long, thin fibrous crystals. The composite structure of asbestos is a combination of several minerals including hydrous silicates. When asbestos forms, it cools and then crystallizes in such a way the polymeric molecules line up with each other in a parallel fashion forming oriented crystal lattices consisting of three cleavage planes. What makes asbestos different from other minerals is two of the three cleavage planes are significantly weaker then the third. When pressure is applied, linear fragmentation occurs creating a fibrous form.
There are two primary classifications for asbestos, serpentine and the amphibole group. The current Federal definition of asbestos includes actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite and tremolite.
Today many countries have banned or adopted strict regulations on the use and removal of asbestos products due to health concerns. Medical findings have demonstrated that asbestos, which is made of bundles of microscopic fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious illnesses including asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. While the risks associated with asbestos exposure have been known for decades, it was not until the 1970s when the EPA and OSHA in the United States began to regulate the use and handling of asbestos materials.
Currently, countries such as Canada and Russia continue mining and utilized asbestos due to its natural properties such as high tensile strength, thermal and chemical stability and high thermal insulation value.
Types of Asbestos
There are 2 primary classifications for asbestos and 6 defined minerals. The most common commercially use asbestos mineral is chrysotile found in serpentine rock. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and tremolite are amphibole. During natural formation, asbestos mineral cools and then crystallizes. The polymeric molecules line up in a parallel fashion forming oriented crystal lattices consisting of three cleavage planes. Unlike other minerals, this composite structure has one dominate and two significantly weaker cleavage planes and linear fragmentation occurs when pressure is applied creating a fibrous form. Typically, chrysotile fibers are curly in nature while asbestos fibers in the amphibole group are sharp and needlelike. It’s worth noting that asbestos fibers in the amphibole group are considered more dangerous due to the friable nature of the fibers.
Actinolite (CalciumMagnesiumIronSilicateHydroxide) is a grayish or bright green amphibole occurring in radiant, columnar or fibrous form. Actinolite molecular structure consists of double chains of silicon atoms forming long, thin crystals sometimes fibers. The high concentration of iron is what gives actinolite its green color. When actinolite is in a fibrous mass, it is categorized as asbestos. When in a very compact mass, actinolite is often identified as jade. Significant actinolite deposits are predominately in Russia, China, New Zealand and British Columbia, Canada.
Amosite is a variety of the silicate mineral of Cummingtonite or fibrous variety of Grunerite. The word amosite is associated with Amosa (Asbestos Mines of South Africa) where the mineral was found and commercially mined. Amosite is also commonly referred to as Brown or Grey asbestos. The iron-rich composition of amosite fibers are brown or black in a raw state and turn grey after being processed. Amosite asbestos fibers are extremely friable, harsh and spiky. Amosite was commonly used due to its anti-condensation and acoustic properties in thermal insulation systems. These applications included asbestos insulation board for acoustics, sprayed on structured steel and pipe lagging for thermal insulating steel structures and pipes. Today the use of amosite in banned in most countries due to health risk.
Asbestiform
The term asbestiform identifies or best implies a fibrous mineral that has a similar fiber composition and fibrosity unique to asbestos such as flexibility and high tensile strength. The term asbestiform applies to both regulated and non-regulated minerals. There is implication that dust from all asbestiform minerals are a health risk and warnings should not be limited to only regulated asbestos minerals.
Histortorical Use of Asbestos
Recent archeological digs dating as far back as 3000 BC in Scandinavia has found evidence to support asbestos was use in chinking log homes and in pottery. The Persians wrapped thier dead with asbestos fiber in what they believed was the hair of a fire creature. The Egyptians used asbestos when the embalmed pharos. In early Greek and Roman times asbestos was used as fire retardant cloth, in building materials and in womens clothing. In the medival era asbestos was used to insulate suits of armor. Clever merchants manufactured crosses from asbestos claiming the product was from the original cross Christ was hung on. Asbestos gained greater use in the late 19th century on the heals of the industrial revolution. Up until the early 1970' asbestos was commonly used in textiles, building materials and insulation.
Asbestos Health Risks
The Romans were the first to identify a health issue with asbestos. Observing that workers and slave that handled asbestos developed lung problems and had a tendency to die younger. In 1887 a Viennese physician determined that inhalation of asbestos dust was an attributing factor causing emaciation and pulmonary problems. In 1906 an autopsy of an asbestos worker revealed the first documented case of lung fibrosis. It was later established prolonged exposure to asbestos dust or fibers causes fibrotic scarring of the lungs. The long term effects of asbestos in the lungs was identified as asbestosis. In 1929, after the death of an asbestos worker a coroner called for a public enquiry into the potential hazards of asbestos exposure. Once classified, physicians where able to identify asbestosis in patients and later determined these patience also developed lung cancer.
There are several natural and manufactured components, which make asbestos a serious health risk. Today the mention of asbestos or the possibility of asbestos exposure brings fear to the average person. Most people think asbestos as manufactured products such as sprayed fire proofing insulation that was commonly used in millions of commercial building. True, this type of product is potentially dangerous due to its friable nature. To clarify, asbestos is not a man made product. Asbestos is not the fireproofing material but the natural ingredient added to other material to increase and enhance its heat and fire resistant properties.
In fact, many populated areas in the United States are in proximity of shallow natural asbestos deposits. Geological surveys show that asbestos occurs in 19 states. In California for example, natural deposits occur in approximately 50 separate counties. Surprisingly, asbestos in its natural form can be found in outdoor air and in some drinking water. This includes many natural water sources near asbestos deposits. Medical research supports the theory that asbestos exposure in its natural form is considerable less a health risk then friable materials found in manufactured products. Medical research has determined that the average person has tens of thousands of asbestos bodies and millions of asbestos fibers in every person’s lungs due to natural non-occupational exposure. These findings suggest that individuals are not likely to develop asbestos related diseases or cancers from natural source exposure.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure
To determine the health risk associated with asbestos exposure you must consider two factors. The first factor being duration of exposure and the second factor being the type or state the asbestos material is in at the time the individual was exposed. We now accept that most asbestos related ailments and diseases can be attributed to the inhalation or digestion of airborne asbestos particles or fibers. Since the human body does not expel asbestos material after inhalation, fibers lodged in the body can cause inflammation that may eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Airborne asbestos fibers are extremely small which can easily penetrate body tissues such as airways and lung tissues later affecting the mesothelium. When digested, asbestos material can accumulate in the abdomen region of the body later affecting the peritoneum a thin lining around the abdomen. Although extremely rare, medical science believes asbestos fibers may also enter the blood steam later affecting the pericardium the thin lining surrounding the heart potentially causing pericardium mesothelioma.
Geologically speaking, asbestos is a relatively common mineral found in numerous countries around the world. Geological surveys in the state of California determined that 50 counties and several major cities in that state are in close proximity of shallow asbestos deposits. Medical research also indicated that the average person has tens of thousands of asbestos bodies and particles in their lungs due to natural exposure to asbestos. While all cautions should be taken when handling any asbestos-type material, asbestos exposure typically only becomes a health concern when an individual has been exposed to a high concentration of asbestos fibers over a long period of time. Workers exposed to asbestos materials on a day-to-day basis or work direct with asbestos are at the greatest risk of becoming ill. Another consideration is exposure to extremely high concentration of asbestos dust. Traditionally the latency period of asbestos cancer like mesothelioma is 20 to 40 years but after 911 medical evidence supports that workers exposed to extreme contamination may contract asbestos type cancers in only a few years after exposure.
The second factor deals specifically with the state or condition the asbestos material was in at the time of exposure. The composite structure of asbestos is what makes the mineral a potential hazard. When asbestos forms, it cools and crystallizes in such a way the polymeric molecules line up with each other in a parallel fashion forming oriented crystal lattices. This formation, consisting of three cleavage planes, is similar to other minerals and gemstones. What makes asbestos different from other minerals is two of the three cleavage planes are significantly weaker then the third. When pressure is applied, linear fragmentation occurs creating a fibrous form. As more pressure is applied, the fragmentation continues and larger asbestos fibers break into hundreds of much smaller and thinner fibers. As asbestos fibers get smaller and lighter they have the potential of become airborne, settling and then becoming re-suspended if disturbed by air current or other movements. Most inhaled asbestos fibers are invisible to the human eye. Airborne asbestos fibers are about 3 to 20 microns in length and can be as thin as 0.01 micron. In comparison, human hair ranges from 20 to 150 microns in width. (a micron is 1 millionth of a meter)
Most asbestos related products such as cement board used for sound proofing is classified as non-friable and are relatively safe to work with as long as the product stays intact. Risk of injury increases and may occur when non-friable materials are handled, damaged, hammered on, or manipulated by cutting or sanding. When this happens, asbestos fibers within the product may become airborne contaminating the site. This is why it is so important to take all the necessary precautions when renovating or demolishing older buildings.
Friable asbestos products include sprayed on asbestos-based fireproofing, an asbestos product commonly used in building throughout the world to coat structured steel. These types of products are dry, soft and extremely weak in structure and are easily broken apart or crumbled with the hand. When friable products are handled or damaged asbestos fibers may be released into the air. When working with or in areas containing friable asbestos products every precaution must be taken to protect the worker from exposure.
Asbestos Related Diseases
Asbestos warts are benign callus-like growths that develop when sharp asbestos fibers lodge into unprotected skin. These non-cancerous growths are relatively harmless and are not considered a serious health concern since it is unlikely asbestos can be absorbed through the skin. (more on asbestos warts)
Asbestos Pleural Plaques are a partially calcified or discrete fibrous area of the lungs that can be seen on X-rays. Pleural plaques do not typically become malignant or cause other lung impairment.
Asbestos Diffuse Pleural Fibrosis is the same as pleural plaque as stated above and is often associated with asbestosis. Usually there are no symptoms but if the symptoms are extensive, it can cause lung impairment. Diffused pleural thickening deals with the thickness of the pleural and often occurs after an pleural effusion event. (more on diffused pleural fibrosis)
Asbestosis is a non-cancer disease of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that irritates lung tissue and causes lung scaring. Scaring limits the lungs ability to transfer oxygen into blood. Symptoms include shortness of breath and a dry crackling sound in the lungs while trying to inhale. There is currently no effective treatment for asbestosis.
Asbestos Lung Cancer is a chronic respiratory condition and the leading cause of death related to asbestos exposure. People who work (mines, milling, manufacturing) or have used asbestos product are more likely to develop lung cancer then the general public. Common symptoms of lung cancer are coughing and a significant change in breathing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, hoarseness and anemia.
Mesothelioma, commonly referred to as asbestos cancer, is an aggressive, although rare form of cancer that attacks the thin lining (mesothelium) that protects the lungs, abdomen, and heart within the chest cavity. The mesothelium is a two-layer membrane that allows moving organs such as the heart and lungs to glide against adjacent structures and mesothelioma develops when the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control. (More on mesothelioma)
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos cost more to identify, remove and manage then traditional building materials for several reasons. To begin with, asbestos removal is a highly regulated industry that has strict guidelines and adherence policies to protect not only the asbestos worker but also you and the environment. Asbestos products were used throughout the construction industry, in homes, school, hospitals and commercial building up until the late 1970s. Some asbestos products remained on store shelves past that time. If it has been determined, you have asbestos in your home or office building you will need to hire a certified asbestos contractor to remove the material and properly dispose it. Additional construction costs include the use of special equipment, specialized training and supervision, increased inspections and addition insurance. The additional cost to the contractor is then past down to the consumer. Do not be surprised if a certified asbestos contractor charges two or three times more to renovate your home then a traditional handy man. This additional cost is well justified considering the risk and dangers associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos demolition sites must be secure to prevent environmental contamination. Every precaution must be taken to prevent dangerous airborne particles from escaping the demolition site and contaminating the surrounding area. In cases of large buildings that have asbestos fireproofing material sprayed on structures steel or thermal lining on pipes, this material must be removed before demolition. In time, some asbestos products become dry and increasingly brittle. As the material becomes more friable, the risk of airborne contamination increases especially if the substance is damaged, broken or mishandled. The safest approach is to seal all contaminated zones and use certified air purification system to remove airborne particles and dust. Workers need to be aware, cautious and use the proper equipment to avoid exposure.
Asbestos Products
Today, most countries regulate the use of asbestos material in commercial building products and prohibit the use of asbestos in residential home building products. Generally, any product that contains more then 1% asbestos material must be registered and subject to applicable legislation.
Safe asbestos products are products that encapsulate the asbestos fibers by bonding the material within the compound. Several examples of what many consider a safe use of asbestos material includes asphalt, concrete and roofing shingles. These products are non-friable in nature and even under considerable pressure are not likely to release airborne particle if cut or damaged.
Non-asbestos products are slowly making there way into the market. Development and testing of new products take time and a considerable investment risk. A good example of the transition to non-asbestos products is the advancement in brake pads for automobile and synthetic fireproofing materials for firefighters.
Asbestos Law and Regulations
In the 1970s the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) began to regulate asbestos.
At present there is no good substitute for asbestos. The United States has since limited asbestos use and no longer allows asbestos flooring products.
Exposure to asbestos dust or particless can cause asbestosis a lung disease. It is important to note that asbestos related diseases can develop years after exposure to asbestos particles or dust. It is true that the greater the exposure the higher the risk of developing an asbestos related disease or cancer.
If you have been exposed to asbestos you may be at risk of developing asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. The Bangle Design team is building a list of Asbestos Attorneys and a list of Asbestos Lawyers in your area. Also included is general information on the claims process and advise on finding the right Attorney or Lawyer to help you with your asbestos related claim.
References:
Please note, all the information provided in this artice is informational and is not intended to replace medical or legal advise. Additional information on regulations and policies can be obtained at your local goverment authority. Contents of this page is copy right protected. Please link this page if you intent to reference the material presented.
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