Asbestosis

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral ingredient in many building, insulation, and consumer products. People who have had significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for developing severe, debilitating diseases such as:

• asbestosis;
• lung cancer; and
• mesothelioma.

Asbestos–related diseases take decades to develop. Whether and when you get a disease depends on various asbestos risk factors such as the amount of asbestos you were exposed to and the length of your exposure. Smoking can be another risk factor because it can increase the negative effects of asbestos on your body.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, you will probably, in the short term, not show any symptoms. However, you should tell your doctor about your exposure so that your health may be carefully monitored over the years. Your doctor will look for signs of asbestos diseases and determine if specialized tests are necessary.

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos has been used in thousands of commercial products because of its strength, flexibility, low electrical conductivity, and resistance to heat and chemicals. It is a silicate mineral composed of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and various metals.

The most common types of asbestos are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (gray or brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). Other more uncommon asbestos forms include tremolite and actinolite. All forms of asbestos pose serious health hazards. There is no “safe” level of exposure, according to Congressional findings (United States Code Title 20, Chapter 49, Section 3601, Education Code).

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs

Asbestos becomes hazardous when it becomes airborne. This may happen through unsafe work procedures or because asbestos–containing material is deteriorated, damaged or removed, releasing asbestos fibers or dust.

High exposure risk is often associated with various occupations such as construction, shipbuilding, railroad, and automotive work (see On–the–Job Asbestos Exposure for a detailed list). Potential asbestos exposure may also occur in schools, homes, and public buildings.