What Is Asbestos Used For In Construction?
What Is Asbestos Used For In Construction?
Asbestos is widely used in construction for various purposes. It is used as an insulator to keep out the cold and retain heat, as a fire protection measure and also to protect against corrosion.
It can be found in many building fittings including ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coatings. Asbestos has superior insulation properties which make it an essential part of construction.
It also provides strength to many materials like cement and plaster, making them more durable and resistant to extreme temperatures.
Its fireproofing properties make it ideal for use in firewalls and other areas requiring heightened fire resistance.
In addition, it can prevent corrosion of pipes, gutters and other metal components exposed to corrosive elements. All these features add up to make asbestos a popular choice for many construction projects today.
Is Asbestos Still Used In Products?
Yes, unfortunately, asbestos is still used in some products in the United States. These include brake pads and gaskets which are sold without any warnings from manufacturers to consumers about the presence of asbestos, although the amount present is less than 1%.
This highlights how important it is for people to be aware of potential health hazards when buying certain products.
Why Was Asbestos Used In Construction?
Asbestos is widely used in construction due to its excellent properties; it is strong, cheap, provide sound and heat insulation, offers fire protection, and is resistant to chemicals, water, and electricity.
The low cost and wide variety of benefits make asbestos the perfect choice for many construction projects, resulting in its widespread use throughout history.
Unfortunately, these same qualities have made asbestos hazardous to human health and can result in serious diseases such as mesothelioma if not handled properly.
How Can People Be Exposed To Asbestos?
People can be exposed to asbestos through inhalation of airborne fibers in the environment, such as during construction, demolition work, building/home maintenance, and repair.
When asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged, it releases particles and fibers into the air, which individuals can inhale.
Asbestos exposure is especially dangerous when the material has been compromised, and particles can become airborne; however, even intact asbestos-containing materials should not be disturbed due to the potential for fibers to be released during activities such as renovating or remodeling.
Health Effects from Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos exposure can have serious health effects – not only is it a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, but current evidence also suggests that it may cause other forms of cancer, such as larynx, ovary, pharynx, stomach, and colorectal cancers.
This emphasizes the need for individuals concerned about asbestos exposure to consult with their doctor or another medical provider to be properly tested and monitored.
May Disease Symptoms Take Many Years To Develop Following Exposure?
Yes, disease symptoms can take many years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis are all severe health effects associated with asbestos exposure that may take decades after exposure has occurred before any noticeable symptoms arise.
Asbestosis is a progressive, long-term non-cancerous disease of the lungs, and mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and abdomen, and heart that usually takes many years to develop following exposure.
Thus individuals exposed to asbestos should be aware that it may take many years for diagnosed diseases related to their exposure to show up.
