Asbestos
Asbestos, scientifically known as amphibole, is a highly fibrous mineral which is used in a number of industrial and commercial households. The mineral has been known to be in use since the 4th century BC and is, until recently, considered a “magic mineral” due to its unique properties.
Asbestos is highly heat, fire and acid resistant and is used in insulation, roofing, brake linings, fabric and textiles, caulking, gaskets, and many more. Unfortunately, due to its high heat resistance and other properties, it has become a major environmental and health concern. The tiny particles of asbestos, known as asbestos fibers, become airborne when disturbed and can be inhaled, leading to asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and asbestosis.
Another disadvantage of the mineral that affects its use is its poor electrical insulation. Asbestos fibers can break apart easily, resulting in unhealthy dust particles. This dust is dangerous when breathed in and can cause harmful diseases. For this reason, it is no longer widely used in many countries, as is used to be.
Due to the hazardous nature of the substance, there have been laws put in place that seek to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos. In the US, for instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the “Permissible Exposure Limit”, to regulate the amount of asbestos that is allowed in the workplace. If exceeded, then employers must take precautionary steps to protect their workers from the hazard.
In Canada, the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOHS) has legislation and regulation in place for the safe handling of asbestos. It sets maximum exposure levels for the mineral and sets restrictions on the areas where it is used. In Canada alone, around 3000 deaths have been attributed to asbestos-related diseases, in the past decade.
Despite the health risks associated with it, asbestos is still used in some parts of the world, in a number of applications. It is used to create fireproof and corrosion-resistant materials, such as fire blankets, pipe insulation, and gaskets. Despite the presence of these products in the marketplace, health organizations around the world are urging people to be aware of the risks associated with the mineral and to take precautionary steps when handling asbestos products.
In conclusion, asbestos has been in use since its discovery. Due to its unique properties and its widespread use, it has become a major environmental and health concern. In order to safeguard people from its hazardous nature, various legislations and regulations have been set in place to ensure its safe handling and usage. Despite this, it is still used in some areas, but due to its hazardous nature, precautionary measures must be taken when handling products made with the mineral.
