Asbestos Dangers
Asbestos dangers are now widely known. Asbestos is a mineral that contains strong fibres that are 50 to 200 times thinner than human hair. They can float in the air for some time, can be invisible and can be inhaled into the lungs.
People exposed to asbestos risk inhaling its dangerous fibers. If you looked at asbestos fibers under a microscope, you would see long, sharp, spear-like objects or structures similar to steel springs. These cannot be seen with the naked eye; however, as dust, they can be inhaled or ingested by the millions. When these microscopic fibers enter the lungs, they cause small lacerations that form scar tissue. Eventually, they penetrate the pleural lining of the lungs, causing damage on a cellular level. Because of their microscopic size, these fibers can eventually reach every part of the body, including the brain; pathologists have even discovered that the fibers can be transferred from mother to fetus.
The body's defense mechanisms can identify these asbestos fibers as invaders like a bacterium or a virus. Unlike bacteria or viruses however, anti-bodies have no effect on them. Instead, the body's anti-bodies literally impale themselves on the fibers. This causes their corrosive digestive molecules to irritate and scar lung tissues.
Ultimately, the victim develops asbestosis or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is caused by the development of scar tissue on the lungs to a point where the patient literally suffocates. Mesothelioma is caused by abnormal division of cells in the lining of affected organs, typically the lungs or abdomen. These cancerous cells can spread from their original site to other parts of the body.
There is no known safe exposure level of asbestos risk and there are no conclusive studies
showing one type of asbestos fibers to be harmless. It is possible that the inhalation or
ingestion of just a few asbestos fibers could cause cancer. Fibers can be inadvertently swallowed during hand-to-mouth contact such as eating or smoking.
It is established, however,
that smokers exposed to asbestos face a much higher risk of developing cancer than just
from smoking alone.
Children are a special concern for asbestos risk, since they may carry inhaled asbestos
particles in their lungs for many years. Schools are now required, under Federal law, to inspect
and manage or remove asbestos from the school
environment that is significantly damaged, or unrepairable.
Never dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. This will disturb the tiny asbestos fibers and release them into the air. Always remove dust by wet mopping or by using a special HEPA vacuum cleaner.
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