Asbestos

Asbestos

What is it?

Abestos is a mineral that has been used since ancient times.  In fact the Greek called asbestos the miracle mineral because it was so soft and pliant Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals is mined world wide and known for it’s incredible qualities to withstand heat and chemicals. 
Uses    
Once it was found that these miracle fibers were so resilient their uses began to expand.  Starting with the industrial revolution and moving into the 20th century this mineral found its way into construction materials such as, roofing tiles, floor tiles, cement, insulation and much more.  It also found its way into automotive products such as brakes, transmissions and linings.
One of the biggest uses was during the war when it was used in ships and submarines. Both the men serving as well as the dock crews became exposed to the high quantities of asbestos.
Health Risks

It’s reliance is what makes asbestos so dangerous to the human body. Once a microscopic fiber is inhaled it lodges itself into the lining around the major organs known as the mesothelium.  Once there the body begins to fight off the intruder by secreting acid to dissolve the fiber.  Unfortunately the fiber is resilient to the acid and the only thing damaged is the human body itself. 

Asbestos poisoning is the term used to signify any health problems resulting from exposure to asbestos.  Once the connection was made between deteriorating health and asbestos exposure asbestos came under fire.

Current legislation
In 1976 after years of pressure congress passed what is known as the Toxic Substances Control Act, which also included asbestos.  This act controlled its uses but did not ban it. 
In 1989 the EPA tried to ban it by regulating it but it was overturned two years later by a circuit court of appeals in New Orleans. The agreement was that old uses of the dangerous mineral would remain but no new uses could be introduced.
Although the US has never gone so far as to ban asbestos many industrialized nations have banned it including the European Union and a handful of other countries, such as Chile, Croatia, Australia, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. But there are several countries,

Posted via email from Wendy's posterous