Asbestos

=Asbestos:=



Asbestos is one of six naturally occurring silicate materials. It is one of the six naturally occuring silicate materials

Resistant to both heat and corrosion, asbestos is used in several common materials such as pipes, floor tiles, car brakes etc. Though it is not visible to the naked eye, asbestos is incredibly toxic and has been proven to lead to cancer of the lungs and several other diseases. Inhalation of asbestos is what causes these problems although long exposure is more likely to cause problems. The fact that it is impossible to see with the naked eye and that is it odorless makes it harder to detect, causing the problem to grow. The best way we can prevent asbestos from spreading is by using insulation in commonly sealed areas where it becomes viral such as ceilings and walls.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems. If breathed in, asbestos particles can be trapped in the lungs for a very long time and lead to breathing concerns and other issues. Can lead to cancer as well.

If asbestos is exposed and has begun to crumble, fray, tear or become brittle, you should have it removed by a professional removal company. The process is called Asbestos Abatement. It is important not to attempt this without the proper equipment because of the health risks associated. The company should dispose of it properly in order to avoid spreading it.
 * Removing Asbestos **

Fiberglass and silica fibers can be used in substitution of Asbestos products. These fibers have proven to be equally heat resistant and durable as fibers from Asbestos. Products include, ropes, sleeves, insulation, tapes and fabrics.
 * Asbestos Replacements**

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs where they can cause significant health problems. Schools and public places check abestos because it can cause sickness.

History:
The use of asbestos has been dated back as far as 4500 years ago in what is known as Finland today. The mineral, anthophyllite, was used in pots and utensils as a strengthening agent. The word asbestos comes from the ancient Greek meaning "inextinguishable." Asbestos became widely used during the Industrial Revolution of the 1800's. It became widely used as a fire retardant and even in cigarette filters.

The dangers of asbestos were said to be observed by Greek geographer Strabo and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who both observed the "sickness of the lungs" in the slaves that wove asbestos into cloth, however, they were so intrigues by asbestos' seemingly magical properties that they ignored the symptoms. Asbestos use was brought back in the 1700s, but become very popular during the Industrial Revolution. It then began to be used as insulation for steam pipes, turbines, boilers, kilns, ovens, and other high-temperature products. At the turn of the twentieth century, researchers began to notice a large number of deaths and lung problems in asbestos mining towns. In 1917 and 1918, it was observed by several studies in the United States that asbestos workers were dying unnaturally young.The first diagnosis of asbestos was made in 1924.