Asbestos is a common building material that was used in construction up until the 1970s when the ill health effects of the material were discovered. Asbestos is now commonly banned in many countries. Asbestos is a material that is highly susceptible to inhalation which makes it so dangerous.
Why was Asbestos Used?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has natural fire-resistant properties. It was often used to help insulate homes and buildings and to help make homes and other buildings more fire retardant. Asbestos is commonly found in a wide range of different building materials and final finishing materials.
It was often used as insulation inside the walls of older buildings, it can be used to make floor and ceiling tiles, and it was also commonly used in roofing tiles. Asbestos is fairly inexpensive which made it an obvious choice for builders that were trying to make the buildings they constructed safer at a lower price.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
The primary danger with asbestos is mesothelioma, a type of cancer that only has one known cause, the inhalation of asbestos. Asbestos fibers are very small, they are very light and they can very easily go airborne if the fibers are disturbed. This means that when someone is removing asbestos or remodeling or building in a building that does have asbestos, it is very easy to disturb these fibers and make inhaling them very easy.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to the fibers becoming very deeply lodged into the lining and the tissue of the lungs. As the body attempts to dispel or get rid of the fibers, tumors grow and form. The body cannot get rid of the fibers on its own so cancer eventually develops. The tumors and scar tissue that is associated with the mesothelioma eventually makes it so difficult to breathe that those affected have to be on breathing machines, require lung transplants, or may even pass away as a result of the disease.
How to Find out More
When it comes to a disease like Mesothelioma it is always best to take the time to find out as much as possible so that you can be fully informed. A site like Asbestos.Net is a fantastic resource that can help you learn more about the diagnosis process, what to do if you think you may have mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, and what you can do for yourself to make the entire process easier.
Mesothelioma is a truly scary disease and being prepared for what might come is the best way to learn just how to tackle this type of diagnosis and the unique challenges that come with it. With any sort of disease or disorder that is caused by the negligence of others, there is always something that you can do. Take the time to educate yourself about what you can do to help make a big difference in your own life and in your own health and overall wellness.