The Basics of Asbestos

You have probably seen ads from on the television from lawyers regarding asbestos and how it is dangerous to your health. Many lawyers have filed lawsuits regarding workers who were injured while working around asbestos. Many people do not have any idea what asbestos is and where it can be found. In actuality it is found in many places and chances are you have been in buildings where asbestos was used. Those tiny microscopic fibers can cause quite a bit of damage if they are disturbed. That is why it is of the utmost importance that you know how asbestos works, where it can be found and how you can safely remove asbestos from your building, school or house. In this article we will cover the basics of asbestos and hopefully you will find the information that you are looking for.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that is high in its strength and is easily woven to make a variety of materials. It is generally fire-proof and has the ability to dampen sounds for acoustic rooms. It is when the asbestos becomes damaged that severe lung problems develop. You have probably seen asbestos used in many items but gave no thought to the actual material until it was pointed out to you. Asbestos is also resistant to many chemicals which make it ideal for work in some laboratories. There are actually several different forms of asbestos such as amosite, chrysotile, and crocodolite.

Is it harmful to my health?

Yes, asbestos is very harmful to your health. When the asbestos containing material becomes damaged it releases the asbestos fibers into the air. You then breathe in these fibers into your lungs. There are three different types of problems that can then arise from breathing in these particles: mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. These are serious problems that can prove deadly quickly. All three come as a direct result from breathing in the asbestos fibers when the asbestos material has been broken down.

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How does the EPA regulate asbestos?

The Environmental Protection Agency has several ways it regulates asbestos materials found in homes, offices, schools and public buildings. It may be through the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances or it could be through the Office of Air and Radiation/Office of Air Quality Planning Standards. The EPA has several government offices that can step in to regulate how asbestos is used and more importantly how it is removed and disposed of properly.

Is asbestos really found in schools?

Modern school buildings do not contain asbestos containing materials but older buildings definitely do contain asbestos. Many schools are making the change and removing asbestos containing materials from their school grounds as a way to keep kids and workers safer. The same thing goes for older houses and public buildings. For those places that do not want to undergo the cost for asbestos removal or if the need still prevails for asbestos to be used then a procedure for maintaining the building material is put into place. Asbestos is not harmful if it is not disturbed or damaged. Should it become damaged then removal would be the safest option.

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