Asbestos Toxicity
The health issues caused by asbestos are yet another demonstration of the problems of our modern world. Too often modern man jumps on something new and uses it everywhere, without ever knowing what the long-range effects might be. Long ago, long before I knew I had health issues related to the chemicals in fragrances (when I thought it was just an allergy), I learned about the Great Law of the Iroquis and thought if was something that should always be practiced:
“In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation… even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine.”
Indeed, we are not patient enough to wait and see what effect something will have 7 generations later, but think how much better a world we would be in if we were that patient.
Some more about abestos: Although all forms of asbestos are toxic, the degree of toxicity varies with both the asbestos type and its particular state. The most toxic form is fibers of less than 8 micrometers in length and 0.25 micrometers diameter. These stay in the lungs whilst shorter fibers are expelled and larger ones do not damage lung cells. Although asbestos has now been banned, there remains much of it in the environment, particularly in factories, mines and even domestic buildings. We must be very careful that this is disposed of properly.
Asbestos was widely used before 2000 in the construction of buildings because of its many properties. It is a good thermal insulator, hence it was used to lag pipes and protect structural steelwork. It is also an excellent electrical insulating material. Moreover, it is highly resilient and does not degrade. But, unfortunately, it can also be deadly. Many people are now dying from past exposure to asbestos and will continue to do so unless action is taken. It is now illegal to use asbestos but countless tons of it were used in the past and much of it is still in place. It does not pose any risk as long as it is in good condition; however, if it is disturbed or damaged then it can become very dangerous for health because the asbestos fibers released into the air are prone to causing breathing problems for people who inhale them. Once the asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they tend to lodge in the lining around the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity and go unnoticed for many years. Ultimately, they will cause scarring and cell changes that can become a malignant cancer known as Mesothelioma. Anyone who thinks they have inhaled harmful asbestos fibers while performing their job may be entitled to make a claim for asbestos compensation.
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