The truth is, for all its negatives, it also had several helpful positives. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that used to be mined for use in a myriad of different materials. It featured heavily in building materials, plumbing, consumer goods, and even vehicles.
Is it safe to use asbestos in construction?
Now, the much-maligned material is getting something of a comeback: The EPA is reportedly easing up on asbestos regulation. While the agency is maintaining a ban on the substance, it could allow for asbestos to be used on a case-by-case basis in construction.
What are the risks of asbestos in your home?
“It was sometimes even used in crayons.” What are your risks? If you live in an older house or work in an older building, asbestos is probably still in the floors, ceilings, pipes or insulation. It becomes a concern when the materials made of asbestos become damaged over time or if you disturb them.
Why is asbestos still used in the UK?
Even though asbestos is no longer allowed, the number of people dying each year in the UK from asbestos-related diseases continues to rise. So if asbestos is no longer used, why are the death rates still rising? One reason is that symptoms can take years, or even decades to develop. Asbestos-related diseases are slow and painful.
How is asbestos a problem in the present?
However, asbestos is not just a problem of the past. It can be present today in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases.
Why was asbestos important to the ancient Greeks?
Asbestos was crucial to ancient Greek society, where the stuff was used within pottery, napkins, insulation, clothing, and even symbolic eternal flames within temples dedicated to Greek gods, which would burn slowly on asbestos wicks. In fact, the word “asbestos” comes from Greek, roughly translating to “inextinguishable.”
