What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has great strength. It can be woven and is highly resistant to heat and chemicals. Because of these qualities asbestos fibers have been used in many products in the automotive industry such as brakes, clutches and transmissions, the construction industry such as roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, cement and paper products, textiles and coatings.
Why is Asbestos a Health Concern?
It is estimated that approximately 3,000 different types of commercial products include asbestos. Asbestos, if it remains intact, is not dangerous, but it becomes dangerous when it is damaged and its fibers become airborne and inhaled.
The most dangerous type is the friable asbestos. This is dry and crumbles easily in your hand. Spray applied asbestos; the type used in millions of buildings for fireproofing, is of the friable variety. There are other non-friable types that can also become airborne especially during demolition of buildings thus the reason it is vitally important when doing any construction to make sure to remove asbestos in a safe way.
Asbestos exposure can cause many terrible diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestos poisoning.
Is Asbestos Banned?
Surprisingly, asbestos is not nor never has been completely banned in the United States. In 1976, Congress did pass a law regulating toxic substances. This law, known as the Toxic Substances Control Act, regulated the use of asbestos but did not ban it. In 1989 the EPA put up regulations for a complete ban of the substance but two years later, a New Orleans circuit court of appeal overturned the regulations. The agreement was that old uses of the dangerous mineral would remain but no new uses could be introduced.
A great number of industrialized nations have banned asbestos including the European Union and a handful of other countries, such as Chile, Croatia, Australia, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. But there are several countries, most notably those who make money from the mining of asbestos, that are consistently fighting against asbestos bans.
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