You may have heard the word asbestos before in the news or in discussions about old buildings. In some regions, people also use the word “Asbestlint.” This word indicates to the fine dust or tiny fibers that come from asbestos materials.
In past years asbestos was praised as a “wonder material.” It was strong, cheap, and fireproof. But recently, people find out a dark side: the small fibers, or asbestlint, can make people very ill if breathed in.
This article will explain what asbestlint is, why it was used so much, what dangers asbestlint brings, and how people deal with it these days.
What Is Asbestlint?
Asbestos is a natural mineral present in rocks. When asbestos mined and processed in factories, it breaks into very thin fibers. These fibers are so small that you can’t always see these tiny particles.
When materials made of asbestos break, or crumble, they produce dust-like particles into the air. This is known as asbestlint.
To fully understand it, think about the lint that collects in your dryer machine. Lint looks soft and tiny, right? In similar way asbestlint made of sharp, needle-like fibers that can float in the air and get into your lungs when you breath.
Read Also: Demainmail.com: Privacy Shield in the Email World
Why Was Asbestos Used Everywhere?
Asbestos was used thousands of years ago, but its major use came in the 20th century. Why? Because it had so many good qualities mention below:
- It is fire resistant.
- It is strong and flexible material.
- It is a great insulator mean keeping heat in or out.
- It is less costly and easily available in markets.
So, companies use it in almost everything:
- Buildings: use in roofs, walls, floors, pipes, and for insulation purpose.
- Cars: it is used in brakes and clutches.
- Ships and airplanes: due to fireproofing its use to manufacture ships and airplanes.
- Household products: ironing boards, hair dryers, even oven gloves are made from asbestos.
In past years, people thought it was a wonder material. No one have idea about the fine dust until the health effects became visible.
Why Is Asbestlint Dangerous?
It becomes dangerous when we breathe in these tiny fibers. Once they enter in the lungs, they can stay there for long time even decades because the human body can’t break them down. As time pass, this causes damage and serious diseases to human.
The main health problems caused by it include:
- Asbestosis: scar formation in the lungs that makes breathing hard.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma a type of cancer develop due to asbestos.
- Lung cancer: risk of lung cancer is much higher for people who exposed to asbestos.
- Other cancers: evidence shows it may also cause throat or ovarian cancer in humans.
One of the biggest issues is that these diseases take a long time to show symptoms. If someone exposed to asbestos in his 20s might not get sick until his 50s or 60s.
Who Was Exposed to Asbestlint?
For many years, all workers handled asbestos without knowing the dangers of asbestos. Builders, shipyard workers, mechanics, and electricians all worked around asbestos without safety measures.
Families living in houses were also exposed to it. For example, if a worker returned home from work with asbestos dust on their clothes, family members could breathe it in while washing or hugging those clothes.
Bans and Rules Around the World
By the 1970s, medical science had clear proof that asbestos was dangerous for human health. Many governments started to action like:
- In Europe, Australia, and Japan: asbestos is now completely banned for use.
- In the U.S.: it’s not fully banned but its use is heavily restricted.
- In some countries: it is still mined and used today for construction and other purposes.
What To Do If You Find Asbestlint
If you are living or working in a building built before the 1980s, it might contain asbestos material. Don’t worry if it is in good condition and sealed properly, it usually isn’t dangerous. The risk is when it breaks or turns into dust particles.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t touch it: Avoid drilling, sanding, or breaking old asbestos materials to prevent asbestlint production.
- Call experts: Only licensed professionals should test or remove asbestos from any place.
- Follow rules: Disposal must follow local safety laws to avoid asbestlint.
Life After Asbestos
Thankfully, the world is moving forward with new inventions:
- New materials: manufacturing of safer options like fiberglass and cellulose now replace the use of asbestos.
- Better medicine: Medical researchers are working on new treatments for asbestos-related diseases.
- Awareness: schools, governments, and organizations now teach about the risks of asbestos use.
Conclusion
Asbestlint look small, but it has huge impact on human health. In old times a miracle material, asbestos left behind issues of disease, loss, and caution.
The good news is that we know the health hazards due to it and have safer alternatives to asbestos. By following the safety rules, and learning from the past, we can protect ourselves and future generations from its dangers.
FAQS
Asbestos was less costly, fire resistant, strong, and good for insulation. That’s why it was used in buildings, car industry and ships manufacturing for many years.
Asbestos that is sealed and in good condition is usually not dangerous. The danger comes when it breaks or becomes old, dusty, releasing particles into the air.
Asbestlint can cause lung diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma (a type of cancer), and lung cancer in human.
Homes built before the 1980s may have asbestos in insulation, tiles, roofing, or pipes. Only a certified professional in this field can test and confirm it.
Do not touch or disturb it. Call a professional who is trained in asbestos removal to handle it safely.
No. Many countries in the world have banned asbestos, but some countries still mine and use it today.