Asbestos Exposure

Hazardous materials

Asbestos Exposure

Few substances have left as permanent a mark on human history as asbestos. Asbestos, revered for its fire-retardant and insulating qualities, was used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to building. The asbestos problem, however, was a dangerous secret that was concealed beneath its outward appearance of benignity.

A naturally occurring mineral with a long history that dates back thousands of years is asbestos. The ancient Greeks used it to build temples and homes, marvelling at how heat-resistant it was. But it was the industrial revolution that made asbestos a household name. It was a vital component in numerous industries because of its fibrous nature and fire-retardant qualities.

Asbestos Issue
Respiratory diseases

Respiratory diseases

By the late 19th century, asbestos had established itself in contemporary building, making its way into insulation, textiles, and even roofing materials. Although its usefulness was clear, its risks were not fully known.

Insulation

The harsh realisation that asbestos exposure could result in serious health problems marked the pivotal moment in the asbestos story. Researchers became perplexed and concerned when occurrences of lung disorders, particularly asbestosis and mesothelioma, started to increase as the 20th century went on. The relationship between asbestos exposure and these serious ailments wasn't shown beyond a reasonable doubt until the 1960s.

Insulation
Building materials

Building materials

Because asbestos is fibrous, it is simple to breathe in its tiny particles, which lodge themselves in lung tissue. These fibres have the potential to cause inflammation, scarring, and the growth of cancerous tumours over time. Exposure to asbestos has been linked directly to mesothelioma, a particularly severe disease that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.

Workplace safety

The asbestos problem swiftly turned into a global health emergency that affected both wealthy and underdeveloped countries. Industries that formerly profited greatly from the sale of asbestos-containing products now find themselves in a moral and legal bind. Numerous individuals experienced severe repercussions after inadvertently working in asbestos-filled settings.

Insulation
Environmental risks

Manufacturers of asbestos were the target of numerous lawsuits that led to large settlements and bankruptcies. Governments fought a losing battle to control and reduce asbestos-related dangers. Asbestos was completely outlawed in some nations while its usage was severely restricted in others. But dealing with already-built structures and asbestos-containing items presented a formidable task of containment and removal.