Asbestos dominated American manufacturing for over half of the 20th century. It was used across nearly all industries, including the construction of homes, offices, schools, ships, roadways, and more. Its tensile strength, heat-resistance, and insulative properties suggested that it could propel us to new technological and economical heights. However, by the 1970s it was clear that serious consequences of asbestos far outweighed the benefits derived from its use.
A Brief History of Asbestos
Asbestos was not a “new” discovery in the 1900s. As a matter of fact, marshaling the benefits of asbestos dates to around 5,000 BC. Artifacts containing a mixture of clay and asbestos, known as asbestos-ceramic, have been discovered in Finland, Karelia, and Fennoscandia. Pottery containing asbestos would have had increased insulative properties, making it an attractive choice for ancient craftsman.
Its limited use continued throughout the centuries. However, after the Industrial Revolution (1760 – 1840) technological advances proceeded at a rapid rate. Not surprisingly, the benefits of asbestos combined with modern technology to increase mining practices and output. Manufacturing in the U.S. touched nearly every industry from the 1920s to the 1970s. Irrefutable evidence confirmed the link between asbestos and deadly asbestos-related diseases, and asbestos mining and use became highly regulated by federal, state, and local governments.
What Is Asbestos, Exactly?
Asbestos refers to a silicate mineral found naturally (and therefore mined) around the globe. There are several forms of the mineral and with corresponding uses:
- Chrysotile (white asbestos) – the most commonly used form of asbestos can be found in building materials, automotive brake linings, boilers, and pipe insulation.
- Amosite (brown asbestos) – used in cement sheets, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, insulating wall boards, and other insulation products.
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) – most commonly used to insulate steam engines, but also used in spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, plastics, and cement products.
- Anthophyllite – used to a limited degree in insulation products and construction materials, also can be found as a contaminate in chrysotile, vermiculite, and talc.
- Tremolite and actinolite – these minerals have not been used commercially but they can be found as contaminates in other minerals.
The sharp microscopic fibers that comprise asbestos produce a mineral of extraordinary strength. Further, it is nonflammable and noncombustible with a melting point of 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. The danger to human health occurs when the tiny fibers become airborne.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Occur?
Homes built before the 1980s might contain asbestos. Exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Damage may occur simply due to deterioration over time, and renovation projects can disturb asbestos-containing materials that might otherwise remain non-threatening. In either case, the tiny, light fibers are released into the air where they can be inhaled and/or ingested by humans.
According to the CDC, inhalation is the most common route leading to illness. The fibers become trapped in the lungs and over time irreversible tissue damage can lead to grave illness. Less common, ingestion occurs when the fibers are swallowed and enter the digestive system. This may happen when swallowing material removed from the lungs or consuming something contaminated (such as drinking water).
There are several serious or fatal diseases associated with asbestos exposure:
- Asbestosis – extreme scarring of the lungs, causing shortness of breath. This is a serious condition, and it is potentially fatal.
- Lung cancer – appears similar to lung cancers caused by smoking. Because it is most often diagnosed in the later stages of the illness, it is usually fatal.
- Mesothelioma – a very specific type of cancer affecting lungs and digestive tract. Like other asbestos-induced lung cancers, it is usually fatal.
- Pleural thickening – the lining of the lungs thickens and swells, making it uncomfortable and difficult to breathe.
The Bottom Line
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are no safe levels of asbestos exposure for any asbestos fibers. If you have any concerns about the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, contact a trained and certified asbestos professional. You can have peace of mind knowing that your concerns are addressed thoroughly, professionally, and in full compliance with governmental agencies.
