Information on Environmental Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral substance found all over the world. In its natural form, it does not pose a danger to either the environment or to people. The danger comes when asbestos is disturbed by mining processes or demolition that releases asbestos fibers into the air. Erosion and wind can also release the fibers, but the greatest asbestos danger is from humans. Does this Spark an idea?
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What is Asbestos?
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The term asbestos is applied to a group of fibrous silicate mineral deposits that combine to form a structure known as asbestiform found in some types of rock, most commonly serpentinites, mafic rocks and altered ultramafic rocks. It can often be visible as striations in the rock. Asbestos forms under certain conditions that include temperature fluctuation, pressure and fracturing of the rock. Water is a necessary element in the formation process.
History of Asbestos
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Asbestos was documented more than 5,000 years ago, and was mined in the U.S. beginning in the early 1800s. Adding asbestos to building materials made them stronger, stabler and more fire-resistant, attractive qualities in an era of gas lamps and bucket brigade fire departments. It wasn't until the 1970s that the dangers of asbestos were fully examined. In 1977, asbestos was banned from all building materials, but many older structures still have building materials manufactured with asbestos.
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The Danger of Asbestos
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Asbestos fibers are tiny, breathable and as unnoticeable as ordinary dust, but unlike normal dust, they do not exit the body. Instead, asbestos fibers build up inside the lungs, constricting the air flow and causing scarring and inflammation, which can lead to serious health conditions. Asbestos is also an identified carcinogen and the only known cause of mesothelioma, a relatively rare cancer that affects the membranes lining the abdomen and chest. It is also a significant factor in lung cancer and is suspected to be a contributing cause to several other forms of cancer.
Who is at Risk?
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Since asbestos is found naturally everywhere, almost everyone will be exposed to low levels at some point during their lives. Most people will suffer no ill effects from exposure and are unlikely to know they were exposed. The real risk is occupational hazard. Miners, demolition workers, ship builders, construction workers, firefighters, and, to a lesser extent, automobile workers are historically those most likely to suffer from the effects of breathing asbestos. Long-term exposure is the key, but no level of exposure is considered safe.
Also at risk are people who live near mines or long-term demolition or excavation projects, and the families of workers at risk, because asbestos dust clings to workers' clothing and can be tracked back into the home.
Additional risks are incurred when occupied buildings are renovated without asbestos redaction. Renovation of any building erected before 1977, including any kind of dust-producing activities, has the potential to release asbestos into the air, putting workers, occupants and the community at increased risk.
Reducing Your Exposure
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While asbestos is common in nature, risk of exposure to free asbestos fibers is minimal. However, you can take steps to further reduce the risk. If soil testing reveals the presence of asbestos, the Environmental Protection Agency suggests covering the area with clean soil, planting grass or asbestos-tolerant plants, watering the ground thoroughly before any digging, paving over walkways and driveways, and keeping windows and doors closed if there is area construction or on windy days. Avoid using areas known to have high concentrations of asbestos, and use extra caution during any kind of digging, demolition or construction that might grind rocks into dust and free asbestos fibers.
Workers in high-risk professions should be aware of the dangers of asbestos and take steps to limit exposure with protective gear and clothing, training and proper handling procedures. It is the legal responsibility of the company, but workers who see improper procedure can make an anonymous report to the local branch of the EPA and instigate an investigation.
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