The protective lining that covers internal organs of the body is very important. It acts as the 'skin' that keeps the organs protected from unwanted infiltration, excess acids and other hazards. This layer is called the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a very sensitive layer, but also very strong.
Asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma, one of the deadliest cancers around. In the late 70's asbestos was largely banned but unfortunately products already being produced were not recalled and asbestos still lingers in many peoples homes walls and office buildings. The following is a brief recap of how asbestos and mesothelioma can effect you today.
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that most often develops in the pleura, or the lining around the lungs. It can also occur in the lining of the abdomen and heart. Asbestos is a strong mineral that has been used for various purposes, the most common among them being fireproofing and construction. When asbestos is broken or damaged, the individual fibers in it break free. These fibers are thin and needle-like and they easily float in the air.
Asbestos is the collective term used to describe a family of several types of mineral fibrous rocks. There are currently six different regulated types of asbestos, with the three main types being Crocidolite, Amosite and Chrysolite. Crocidolite which is usually blue can be found a lot in southern Africa, Australia and in Russia. The Amosite which is usually brown is most commonly found in Africa.
Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't function right, divide very fast, and produce too much tissue that forms a tumor. The lungs, a pair of sponge-like, cone-shaped organs, are part of the body's respiratory system.
A British Lung Foundation survey has revealed that most tradespeople are unaware of the health risks posed by asbestos.
Many building products, over the years, have contained asbestos. Many of these products are still present in homes that were built prior to the mid-1980's. So What exactly should you know about asbestos?