Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is recognized for its versatility which includes: heat resistance, tensile strength, insulating properties, amongst others. Due to those properties it is used in over 3,000 products. Many of those products are found in construction materials.
A few places where asbestos is located is pipe insulation, tile mastic, acoustical ceiling, and joint compound.
Why testing is required and health effects
Why testing is required and health effects
Federal regulations (Rule 1403) states that asbestos survey is required prior to demolition or renovation to verify the absence or presence of asbestos. When asbestos is undisturbed, it poses little danger. However, when asbestos is disturbed by cutting, grinding, sanding, scraping, etc. microscopic fibers are released into the air. These fibers are much smaller than the width of a human hair and can be easily inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can lodge themselves onto the lungs.
Asbestos fibers are virtually indestructible. They are resistant to heat and chemicals. The human body cannot digest them.
Asbestos is associated with three major diseases.
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Asbestosis- The scarring of lung tissue, which leads to long term breathing complications.
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Lung cancer- Asbestos greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
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Mesothelioma- It is the most serious of All asbestos diseases. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen.