Asbestos Poisoning

The miracle mineral – asbestos can withstand heat and due to this nature of the element it was used in the construction industry until people found that the element was not a miracle mineral but a nightmare. When the side effects of this mineral came out it was too late, countless number of people lost their lives. Heat resistance, flexibility, durability and even chemical resistance are the properties that can be found in Asbestos.

Since asbestos was mined in many countries millions of people died with asbestos poisoning. The inhalation of this killer mineral’s fibres causes lung cancer, asbestosis and Mesothelioma cancer which affects Mesothelium known as the protective lining that protects most of the important internal organs. Generally this cancer is found to happen to a person who is constantly exposed to the fine particles of asbestos material working in construction or renovation industry. Sometimes it can take years to show the symptoms of Mesothelioma cancer.

In the nineteenth century asbestos became the most popular, its fibres were mixed in cement, into the walls of the building, clothes were made from it, and into anything that had the risk of catching fire. These were the seeds that were sown to gain fresh fruits but instead they got evil fruits dangerous for the people around. After such a destructive work it started with, it was declared as a disease which became a serious workplace health issue. Even with the availability of the alternative heat resistant especially fibreglass the companies were still working slowly in accepting the safer way even at the cost of there workers health.

Use of asbestos not only affects the human body but also affects its surroundings. One can see its poisonous effects on the walls as the wall paint will start losing its colour or start peeling off, metal fixtures may begin to rust as a result of oxidation and even plastic items may turn mouldy depending on its use. The inextinguishable factor of the material makes it the best to be used in industrial and domestic purposes.

Because of asbestos poisoning it should be used with utmost care, it is harmless if it is undisturbed. The problem starts when the person inhales fibres of asbestos from air. There are many treatment options available for Mesothelioma but still they are not effectively working on asbestos Mesothelioma patients. Everyone today should be well aware about the dangerous effects of asbestos so that they can successfully protect themselves against asbestos poisoning.