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Asbestos is the name for a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of silky, threadlike fibers. Because of its strength and durability, asbestos was long used in many building and industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring, textiles and building insulation. It became widely popular after World War II and was used regularly throughout the 1970s.
Years later, however, it was discovered that asbestos exposure caused a number of serious, often deadly, diseases. The Environmental Protection Agency reported in the 1990s that there was no safe levels of asbestos exposure.
While all Americans have likely had some degree of asbestos exposure, due to its widespread use, the people at highest risk for dangerous asbestos exposure are industrial workers, such as: janitors, maintenance personnel, construction workers, firefighters, insulators, plumbers and mechanics. People who live or work in buildings with asbestos are also at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.
Asbestos exposure often occurs through inhalation. Asbestos fibers get reduced to powder through hand pressure. When this powder gets into the air, it becomes odorless, tasteless and easy to inhale. It can linger in the air for long periods of time and remain in the clothing of the person exposed, thereby exposing other people, such as family members.
The amount of exposure a person experiences is due to a number of factors, including: the fiber concentration in the air; the duration of the exposure; the person''s breathing rate; weather conditions; and whether or not he was wearing protective gear.
Non-industrial workers can be exposed to asbestos through a variety of products. Although the government has required that buildings no longer be constructed using asbestos-containing products and that products like clothing, hair dryers and gas heaters be manufactured without asbestos, people who live or work in older buildings still risk contact with the toxic materials. Exposure can also occur through air, beverages, water, dental products and other consumer goods.
Since asbestos occurs naturally, it also exists in the environment. Exposure can occur naturally, through erosion, wind and water. In addition to being inhaled, asbestos can be ingested or absorbed into the skin on contact.
Asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop. Anyone exposed to asbestos through industrial work or habitation in a structure that contains asbestos needs to be aware of the potential risk.
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