Lung Cancer
Friable Vs. Non-Friable Asbestos
Asbestos was used extensively in buildings and materials for decades until the 1980s because of its unique characteristics. Asbestos is affordable, durable, and fire and heat-resistant, making it a desirable ingredient for construction, manufacturing, and certain materials. Unfortunately, asbestos is also hazardous to human health. What is Friability?Friability is the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials breaking…
Read MoreTremolite Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring metamorphic minerals: chrysotile, tremolite, actinolite, amosite, crocidolite, and anthophyllite. Many ancient cultures valued asbestos for its many properties, such as absorbency, resistance to heat and fire, durability, and strength. Little did they know that all types of asbestos, such as tremolite, were and still are toxic to humans.…
Read MoreAsbestos in Drinking Water
Asbestos is limited to 7 million fibers per liter (Mfl) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. According to the EPA those who drink water with higher than that amount over extended periods may face an increased risk for benign intestinal polyps. Another recent study has shown asbestos in drinking water could potentially lead to the…
Read MoreAsbestos in Vinyl Products
If your home was constructed before 1980, you could have a vinyl floor in the kitchen, bath, or hallway that contains asbestos. Homes built between the 1920s and 1950s frequently had vinyl wallpaper with asbestos. Flooring and wall covering manufacturers frequently added asbestos to tiles, wallpaper sheet backing, and adhesives to make the flooring or…
Read MoreAsbestos and Aircraft Mechanics
Aircraft mechanics are specialized workers with special training, expertise, and experience in the aviation industry. Asbestos has heat-resistant and insulating properties, so it is used for many aircraft parts and products. Civilian and military aircraft mechanics were exposed to asbestos dust for decades from parts and components in hazardous environments (hangars, military aircraft carriers, and…
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