November 6, 2017

Your Essential Guide to Asbestos Exposure

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Your Guide to Asbestos Exposure: Understanding the Risks and Dangers in Everyday Products

Introduction

Asbestos exposure has been a significant health risk for decades, affecting many individuals across the United States and worldwide. Asbestos was commonly used in various products and building materials throughout the 20th century due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, the discovery of its health hazards has led to strict regulations and abatement efforts. This guide to asbestos exposure aims to provide comprehensive information about asbestos, its risks, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Ubiquity of Asbestos in Everyday Life

Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, many homes, workplaces, and products contained asbestos. It could be found in household products, commercial products, construction sites, residential and commercial buildings, ships, and other watercraft. Unfortunately, it wasn’t widely known that asbestos was harmful until the late 1900s when people began falling ill from asbestos-related diseases. To this day, asbestos is still present in the United States and has not been fully banned.

The Harsh Reality of Asbestos

Asbestos offers heat and chemical resistance, as well as fireproofing capabilities. It made for incredible insulation, especially in extreme temperatures or in environments at high risk for fires. Because of these qualities, it was used in cement, plastic, cloth, and other materials.

After decades of widespread use, however, it became clear that asbestos was dangerous. Asbestos is composed of tiny fibers that, when inhaled or ingested, can permanently become trapped inside the human body. The human body cannot physically dispel the asbestos fibers—ever. The result of these fibers being trapped in the human body is agitation and damage that leads to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, among other asbestos-related diseases. These illnesses can develop over decades, meaning an individual may not be aware that they were exposed to or harmed by asbestos for years. This is why we’ve created this guide to asbestos exposure.

Origins and Types of Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found around the world. During the 1960s, asbestos mining was at its peak, with over 100 asbestos mines in operation just in the United States alone. These were open-pit mines, and the asbestos was released even as it was collected. With these types of mines, drilling would release toxins and asbestos fibers into the air—later we learned that entire communities, as well as employees, were exposed to asbestos. The asbestos was then processed and used within products to fortify them against heat, chemicals, and fire.

The Six Primary Types of Asbestos

There are six primary types of asbestos. These types are defined as fibrous and can be separated into either amphibole (straight, stiff, short, and needle-like) or serpentine (pliable, curly, and long). These six types of asbestos are:

Chrysotile

The most commonly used asbestos type in the United States, chrysotile is a white, serpentine asbestos type. An estimated 90-95% of asbestos in buildings in the United States is chrysotile. It was frequently used in construction materials, Navy ships, and automotive parts. It was considered an ideal asbestos type for its incombustible and lightweight properties. It could be found in roofing materials, cement, clutches, brake linings, brake pads, some plastics and textiles, as well as asphalt and rubber.

Amosite

The second most used type of asbestos in the United States and commonly found in the shipbuilding industry, amosite is a brown amphibole asbestos type. It is said to make up roughly 5% of asbestos used in buildings throughout the country. It could be found in cement sheets, specific types of insulation (thermal, electrical, pipe, and chemical), types of fireproof products, tiles, and roofing, as well as gaskets and insulation boards.

Tremolite

A milky white to dark green colored amphibole asbestos type, tremolite was not commonly used in products. They have, however, been found to contaminate talc (used in baby powder and beauty products) and vermiculite deposits. It’s been found in sealants, insulation, cosmetics containing talc, roofing materials, and plumbing materials.

Crocidolite

A dangerously easy-to-inhale asbestos type that is blue and amphibole. It’s suspected that this may be the biggest culprit for most asbestos-related diseases since it’s very sharp, fine fibers are so easily inhaled. It was rarely used in commercial products because it wasn’t very heat-resistant, but it could be found in tiles, insulation, and cement.

Actinolite

A rare, amphibole asbestos type that has a dark brown color. It often contained other minerals such as iron, silicon, and magnesium. It can be found in cement, paint, insulation, sealants, and drywall products.

Anthophyllite

The rarest type of asbestos, anthophyllite is a yellow or brown amphibole asbestos type. It was not commonly used in commercial goods, but it could sometimes be found in certain insulation materials and cement.

Friable Versus Non-Friable Asbestos

Asbestos-containing materials can be classified as friable or non-friable based on how easily the asbestos fibers can be broken down by hand. Friable asbestos products, which can be easily crumbled, pose a greater health risk as they release asbestos fibers into the air. These products include thermal insulation, spray-on coatings, and some types of pipe insulation.

Non-friable asbestos products are less likely to release fibers when disturbed. They include vinyl floor tiles, roofing felt, and certain types of window glazing. However, if these materials are damaged, they can still release asbestos fibers.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

The dangers of asbestos exposure have been well-documented. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious health issues. Our guide to asbestos exposure includes:

  • Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure is a significant risk factor for lung cancer.
  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the scarring of lung tissue.
  • Other Cancers: Including cancers of the larynx and ovary.

The Role of Asbestos in Building Materials

Asbestos was widely used in building materials due to its durability and resistance to heat and fire. Common products that contain asbestos include:

  • Ceiling Tiles: Often used for their fire-resistant properties.
  • Vinyl Floor Tiles: Durable and resistant to wear.
  • Roofing Materials: Including shingles and felt.
  • Insulated Piping: Used for its heat-resistant properties.
  • Textured Paint: Often used in decorative finishes.
  • Asbestos Blankets: Used for fireproofing.

Occupational Exposure to Asbestos

Occupational exposure is a significant risk for individuals working in industries where asbestos was commonly used. Our guide to asbestos exposure includes:

  • Construction Workers: Involved in building and renovation projects.
  • Insulators: Working with insulated piping and other materials.
  • Electricians: Handling electrical components that contain asbestos.
  • Plumbers: Exposed to asbestos in plumbing materials.
  • Shipbuilders: Working in shipyards where asbestos was used extensively.

The Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos can occur in various ways, our guide to asbestos exposure includes:

  • Inhalation of Asbestos Fibers: When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, fibers can become airborne and inhaled.
  • Ingestion of Asbestos Fibers: Fibers can also be ingested if they contaminate food or drink.
  • Occupational Exposure: Workers in certain industries are at higher risk of exposure.
  • Secondary Exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also be at risk.

The Role of Protective Equipment

Protective equipment is essential for individuals working with or around asbestos. Our guide to asbestos exposure includes:

  • Respirators: To prevent inhalation of asbestos fibers.
  • Protective Clothing: To prevent fibers from contaminating clothing and being brought home.
  • Gloves: To protect hands from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Abatement and Removal

Asbestos abatement is the process of safely removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing materials. This should only be performed by certified asbestos abatement contractors who follow strict safety protocols to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.

The Role of Regulatory Agencies

Regulatory agencies play a crucial role in protecting public health from asbestos exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets guidelines and regulations for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

The health effects of asbestos exposure can be severe and life-threatening. Our guide to asbestos exposure has symptoms of asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Chest Pain: A common symptom of mesothelioma and lung cancer.
  • Shortness of Breath: Often caused by lung damage or fluid buildup in the chest.
  • Chronic Cough: Persistent coughing can indicate lung disease.
  • Abdominal Pain: A symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma.
  • Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of serious illness.

The Importance of Medical Monitoring

Regular medical monitoring is crucial for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. This can include:

  • Chest X-Rays: To detect lung abnormalities.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests: To assess lung function.
  • CT Scans: To identify tumors or other abnormalities.
  • Blood Tests: To check for biomarkers of asbestos-related diseases.

Conclusion

Asbestos exposure remains a significant health risk, despite efforts to reduce its use and mitigate its dangers. Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking regular medical monitoring are essential in our guide to asbestos exposure and creating steps in protecting your health. If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos, consult Serling & Abramson, P.C., Michigan’s most experienced asbestos attorney.