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Asbestos Mesothelioma- A Deadly Disease
Asbestos- the Main Culprit behind Asbestos Mesothelioma
Asbestos mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous cancer caused by exposure to asbestos particles suspended in the air. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate...
Early Detection Of Any Disease Is The Key So What Are The First Symptoms Of Lung Cancer?
Much research work has been dedicated to find out the first symptoms of lung cancer. Cancer is that painful disease that needs no introduction and cancer of the lung is one of its most common forms. It is said that early detection of cancer is the...
Lung cancer: Only one of Asbestos disaster
Lung cancer as a consequence of asbestos exposure could be
considered as one of asbestos disaster, since this mineral is
more likely to generate problems than solve them. It maybe has
different pros, but it is also a high risk factor to get...
Pericardial Mesothelioma FAQ
What is pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer
that accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases.
Cancerous cells build up on the lining of the heart.
What is the cause of...
The Facts about Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma and accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. This form of mesothelioma affects the lining that surrounds the heart and is a deadly cancer if not treated agressively in its...
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The dangers of asbestos
If you read the newspaper or watch the nightly news, chances are you've heard about some of the dangers of asbestos. What is often ignored in these messages, however, is that asbestos also has a number of useful properties. If used responsibly and maintained in good condition, asbestos can be beneficial without causing harm.
What is asbestos? The term refers to microscopic, naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. These minerals have been used for years by the construction industry. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Asbestos is commonly used in insulation, fireproofing, roofing, flooring, and other building materials. The strength of the fibers and asbestos's resistance to heat make these materials very useful.
Why, then, are people afraid of asbestos? Well, asbestos is a carcinogenic, toxic substance. Asbestos-containing materials are not a health risk if they are left undisturbed. However, if these materials become damaged, the asbestos fibers separate and become airborne. This is when human exposure is likely to occur, as asbestos may be inhaled into the lungs.
While no “safe level” of exposure
has been determined, health problems are more common with greater and longer exposure to the fibers. Some of these health problems include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. It is not true that asbestos causes headaches or sore muscles, as many once believed. Immediate health issues like these are rarely seen. In actuality, most damaging health effects of asbestos exposure don't surface until many years later. Perhaps this is why building buyers prefer to err on the side of caution when asbestos inspections are done.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a program for schools and other building owners in order to keep asbestos fiber levels low. In an effort to protect students and residents, the program aims to teach people how to recognize asbestos-containing materials. It also educates people about how to manage these materials and how to avoid exposure. With proper education and careful management, health risks from asbestos can theoretically be prevented.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Asbestos Resources a website providing information on asbestos
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