Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry throughout the 20th century. It was prized for its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire. However, asbestos is now known to be a serious health hazard, as inhaling its fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.
In this article, we will explore the history of asbestos, how it was discovered, and why it was used so extensively in construction. We will also discuss the health risks associated with asbestos exposure and the measures that have been taken to regulate its use.
The Discovery of Asbestos
Asbestos has been used by humans for thousands of years, but its use became widespread during the Industrial Revolution. It was first discovered in the early 1800s in Quebec, Canada, where it was used to make fireproof clothing for firefighters. In the late 1800s, asbestos was also used to insulate steam engines and boilers.
Asbestos became more popular in the early 1900s, when it was discovered that adding asbestos fibers to cement made it stronger and more durable. As a result, asbestos was used extensively in the construction industry, particularly in the form of asbestos cement sheets, which were used for roofing, walls, and flooring.
Why Asbestos Was Used
Asbestos was prized for its many desirable qualities, including its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire. It was also relatively cheap and abundant, making it an attractive material for builders and manufacturers.
Asbestos was used in a wide range of products, including insulation, brake pads, gaskets, and textiles. It was also used in shipbuilding, where it was used to insulate pipes and boilers.
The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Unfortunately, the widespread use of asbestos has led to serious health risks for those who were exposed to it. Asbestos fibers are very small and can easily be inhaled, where they can become lodged in the lungs and cause damage over time.
The most serious health risk associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop, which means that many people who were exposed to asbestos in the past are only now experiencing symptoms.
Other health risks associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis (a type of lung disease), and pleural thickening (a condition that can cause breathing difficulties).
Regulating Asbestos Use
In the 1970s, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure became more widely known, and many countries began to regulate its use. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of spray-applied asbestos insulation and many other asbestos-containing products in the late 1970s.
Today, asbestos is still used in some products, such as brake pads and insulation, but its use is heavily regulated. Many countries have banned the use of asbestos entirely, while others have strict regulations in place to ensure that it is used safely.
Conclusion
Asbestos was once a popular material used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure are now well-known, and many countries have taken steps to regulate or ban its use entirely.
If you are concerned about asbestos exposure, it is important to take steps to protect yourself. If you live or work in a building that was constructed before the 1980s, it may contain asbestos, and you should have it tested by a professional. If asbestos is found, it should be removed by a trained professional to minimize the risk of exposure.
