If you clicked on this blog, you already know about asbestos and its dangers. If not, here’s a brief explanation:
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral known as the “magic mineral” because of its versatility. It has high tensile strength and high flexural strength, it is resistant to acids, alkalis, fire, and electricity, and is also adsorptive. This made asbestos famous quickly and industries like construction, automotive, and home appliances started using it. However, it was discovered that asbestos is as bad as it is good. Asbestos fibers are carcinogenic. Prolonged asbestos exposure can lead to a fatal cancer known as mesothelioma. It is a rare cancer of the lungs in which the asbestos fibers when inhaled become trapped in the lungs and cause scarring and inflammation. Soon, the effects of second-hand asbestos exposure came to light, and asbestos was banned in 55 countries including Japan, Australia, Germany, the UK, Sweden, and all countries in the European Union.
Russia, China, India, Brazil, and some countries in Asia and the US still use asbestos for roofing. The top producer of asbestos is Russia, which mined around one million metric tonnes in 2015. The major mines are located in Asbest. Millions of tonnes of asbestos remain in buildings due to its use in the 20th century: as asbestos exposure occurs mainly from breathing in fibers from contaminated air, disturbing these deposits can pose a health risk.
The World Health Organisation estimates that around 125 million people are exposed to asbestos in the workplace and that at least 107,000 people die each year globally from occupational exposure to airborne fibers.
What is the solution?
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of asbestos in some countries, it is not the only solution to this problem as it is still being used in many countries.
One solution that can minimize the usage of asbestos is to become aware of the alternative materials. Many alternative materials like mineral wool, cellulose fibers, fiberglass, and polyurethane foam are available in the market.
Another thing the government can practice is the awareness of the dangers of asbestos. The general public should be made aware of the health risks associated with the mineral. Education campaigns should target both the general public and workers in industries where asbestos may still be present. This includes providing information on proper safety measures and encouraging regular health check-ups for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure.
If you ever find yourself surrounded by asbestos or suspect that anything might have asbestos, Do Not Try To Handle It On Your Own!
It is best to contact professional asbestos removal services. One such expert in asbestos removal is RidAway. RidAway guarantees 100% asbestos removal, uses industry-grade protection, and is state certified & licensed.
If asbestos insulation is removed, it will need to be replaced. Insulation replacement is usually expensive, but not with RidAway! Through our insulation Mass Save® partner, Neeeco, we'll take care of your asbestos insulation removal. For a limited time, we can insulate your home at 75-100% off the normal cost, giving you a safe, energy-efficient home that will continue to save you money in the form of lower energy bills for years to come.
