Asbestos is a natural heat- and electricity-resistant fiber that is mined from the earth. It has been around for as long as 2000 years back. The ancient Greeks named it “asbestos” which means “inextinguishable” because fire does not consume it. They used it as wicks for the vestal virgins’ eternal flames.And even then, they had already noticed that slaves who often came in contact with asbestos developed a “sickness of the lungs.” Nonetheless, they were so fascinated with what they considered its magical properties that they turned a blind eye to its observed harmful effects.

It is believed that Charlemagne use asbestos tablecloths during the middle ages.

In the late 1800s, during the Industrial Revolution, the use of asbestos as insulation for turbines, steam pipes, boilers, kilns and other high-temperature machines surged.

In the twentieth century, researchers began to seriously study the harmful effects of asbestos. In 1917 and 1918, it was noticed that in towns where asbestos mining was a primary industry, many young people suffered premature deaths.

It was found that when humans come in frequent contact with asbestos, the fibers enter the body either through inadvertent swallowing or inhalation. When this happens, the fibers cause disease in the victim.

The newly discovered disease was called “asbestosis.”

In 1931, legislation was enacted to ensure that asbestos processing industries put ample ventilation for their workers’ work areas, and asbestosis was recognized as a work-related disease.

Despite the increasing number of published studies that showed the dangers asbestos imposed on people’s health, large companies continued to use asbestos despite the fact that safer insulation alternatives, like fiberglass, were available to replace it. Up to the late 1980s, asbestos was widely used in construction materials, from asbestos-cement sheeting for ceilings and walls, to corrugated asbestos cement used for roof cladding.

Asbestos companies have also had their own researches on the effects of asbestos - and they are hiding the findings of these researches in order to avoid their employees’ lawsuits. Million dollar lawsuits have been filed by asbestos workers for the health hazards their companies have exposed them to. Many of these workers already have mesothelioma cancer, and are facing certain death.

In an earlier article, I have elaborated on the possible legal solutions one can consider when handling cases or suffering from mesothelioma or asbestos cancer. In this article, I shall briefly discuss other forms of situations or occasions one maybe exposed to potential side effects, giving cause to such cancer.We maybe aware that certain occupations will expose particular groups of people to mesothelioma or asbestos poisoning. Generally such cancers occur as a result of constant exposure or inhalation of fine particles of certain asbestos materials. Common trades include those working in the construction and renovation industry, factories supplying asbestos materials to related industries, and so on. Although regulations have already been passed to ban the use of asbestos in most countries, there are still certain states or countries that choose to ignore such regulations, at the risk of their workers’ health. Those that choose to comply have already begun switching to other forms of similar property materials, other than asbestos.

What is mentioned above is of direct concern to those involved in trades that have first hand exposure to asbestos. However, one should also be concerned even if you are only a end user of such materials in your homes of workplace.

As time goes by, any form of material will deteriorate. Wall paint will being to lose its color or peel off, metal fixtures may begin to rust as a result of oxidation, and even plastic items may begin to turn moldy due to temperature variances depending on its intended use. Likewise, users of asbestos products can expect their ceiling boards or wall partitions to deteriorate as well.

While this may appear to be common sense knowledge (now that we look at the behaviour of other materials), there are a surprising number of people out there who aren’t aware of such characteristics! And over the years, those occupants who work or live in such premises utilizing asbestos materials may not even be aware of the daily constant exposure to such deterioration.

Think about it: if such materials are really that safe to handle and work with, why are the workers handling and assembling asbestos boards in your vicinity provided with face masks and gloves. It’s to minimize their exposure during the installation process! If that’s the case, why aren’t end users required to put on face masks when they are surrounded by asbestos material? See the logic?

Having said that, are you provided with the necessary level of protection if your organization is in the construction and renovation trade? Is your company trying to reduce its cost exposure by cutting back on the necessary personal protective equipment?

As discussed above, regardless of which side of the spectrum you are currently at, everyone needs to know the risks and potential exposure involved in asbestos environment. Just remember that at the end of the day, we should not be ignorant of potential resources and avenues available to us in ensuring our personal well being.

Remember this: you owe it to yourself to work and live in a safe and asbestos free environment. And if this is not the case presented to you, you have every option and right to seek the relevant solutions to these mesothelioma and asbestos problems.

(Note: readers must be aware that the views expressed above are those of the author and should not be considered as legal advice or grounds to pursue legal judgement. Visit our website to find out more on mesothelioma and asbestos solutions.)