Introduction To Asbestos: 10 Key Facts
Introduction To Asbestos: 10 Key Facts 1. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which has been used for thousands of years! 2. The asbestos mineral is mined from the earth. 3. The asbestos mineral in its natural state is harmless. 4. Asbestos becomes potentially harmful to health when it is mined or used in the manufacture of other products, essentially once it is in dust or fibrous form and capable of being inhaled or swallowed it becomes potentially harmful to health and can cause asbestos disease. 5. Exposure to asbestos dust/fibres by way of inhalation and/or swallowing can lead to the development of one or more of the following asbestos diseases: malignant mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer; asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques. 6. Malignant mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer are , as their names suggest, forms of cancer and have no cure. 7. Asbestosis is scarring on the lungs which can cause problems with the respiratory system and whilst no