The Online Asbestos, Asbestos Cancer, & Mesothelioma Authority
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos collectively describes a group of silicate minerals that occur in several fibrous forms. The minerals naturally occur in deposits throughout the world and have a number of unique properties. High degrees of flexibility, durability, and resistance to heat and chemical corrosion are cardinal to asbestos (1). Historically, these traits have resulted in the widespread use of asbestos in several industrial sectors. Occupational uses of asbestos are found among aircraft mechanics, electrical workers, shipyard workers, auto mechanics, cement workers, and railroad workers.
In addition to the workplace, communities and homes can offer people substantial exposures to asbestos. So long as the asbestos fibers are undisturbed, there is a relatively low risk of significant exposure. It is the inhalation of liberated fibers that, after a lengthy latent period, poses the greatest health risk (2). Important factors that determine the extent which asbestos exposure will affect an individual include: dose, duration of exposure, type of fiber inhaled, source of exposure, and risk factors such as smoking or preexisting health condition. The accumulation of asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs known as fibrosis, as well as a host of other maladies. In particular, mesothelioma is a cancer that although rare, is the most common ailment resulting from asbestos exposure. Moreover, asbestosis, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, throat, kidney, esophageal, and gallbladder cancers have shown associations with asbestos exposure (3).
Government agencies such as the Department of Labor (DOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have established regulations put in force to protect workers. Employers are required to follow these regulations to the letter. However, the employee must take on a measure of personal responsibility and make use of all employer-provided protective equipment. For example, approved respirators should fit properly and be worn at all times.
- O'Reilly, K.A., et al., "Asbestos-related lung disease". Am. Fam. Physician; 75: 683-8, 690, 2007.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (September 2001). Public Health Statement for Asbestos. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs61.html.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (June 2006). Asbestos: Health Effects. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/index.html.