In its natural state, asbestos is a mineral that is usually in a crystalline form. The crystals themselves are composed of microscopic fibers that possesses a number of traits that make them a commercially valuable industrial item. Asbestos has traditionally been associated with the construction industry where it has been added to construction materials to impart them strength you can opt the service of licensed asbestos assessor. It is a cheap additive to cement that acts by increasing its strength, decreasing the setting time. It is very useful seeing that it is heat resistant, retains its consistency and does not wear over time. Its use is not just restricted to the construction industry. It can be used in many other materials to increase their strength and durability.
However, there is a downside to asbestos. It poses many health hazards. Historically, industrialists used to cover up this fact and tried to pass it off as harmless. But with more and more people exposed to it becoming sick, asbestos exposure was declared a health related emergency. Governments and activists finally took up the issue and effective legislation was drafted to cover the health risks associated with asbestos. However, there are still many countries where legal measures are nonexistent or insufficient. Most of these countries include developing countries and miners remain exposed to asbestos and other toxic materials.
Asbestos becomes scattered in the form of fibers floating in the air when crystals are broken up during mining. These floating fibers are inhaled and are lodged in the lungs of people in the vicinity. Today, asbestos is classified as a carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancers. However, cancer is not the only risk involved with asbestos exposure and it can lead to a whole range of breathing diseases. Most of these diseases are chronic. They are lifelong illnesses that are often incurable and often result in the person being fatally ill. Asbestos exposure has been seen in most miners working in mines where the material is present. It has been linked to at least ten types of cancers. It causes lumps in the lungs and causes patients to cough blood. In most cases, the symptoms take time to emerge and several decades pass before the illness is manifested. This makes the early detection of asbestos in the body virtually impossible.
Asbestos fibers can also be lodged in the body leading to infections, abrasions and inflammation. The affected part might need to be amputated if the damage is too deep and severe. Laser beams can be used to break the fibers while they are still in the body but this technique is a relatively new one and has not been tested enough. Seeing the many risks involved, it is important to remove asbestos from locations where the crystals are found.