Five Important Facts That You Should Know About Asbestos

August 28, 2019

There’s plenty of information about asbestos online; however, it can get repetitive. What about the facts that you don’t know? Asbestos disposal specialists in Auckland provide five important facts about asbestos that you should know.

1) There Are Several Types Of Asbestos Minerals

You already know that asbestos exposure is dangerous for your health. However, did you know that there are up to six individual types of asbestos? They are as follows:

  • Chrysotile, or white asbestos – The most commonly used type in New Zealand. Used to build roofs, ceilings, walls, floors, plumbing insulation and more.
  • Amosite, or brown asbestos – Often used in pipe insulation, cement sheeting, ceiling tiles and thermal insulation materials.
  • Crocidolite, or blue asbestos – The least heat-resistance type. Mined in Australia, Bolivia and South Africa, and used in spray-on coatings, steam engines, pipe-insulation and cement products.
  • Actinolite – Inflexible, and therefore used sparingly. Has not been used much commercially, but can be found contaminating other asbestos materials.
  • Tremolite – Varies between white, grey, green or transparent. Very rare, but has been found to contaminate chrysolite and talcum powder.
  • Anthophyllite – Not used commercially, but can be found contaminating composite flooring products.

2) There Is No Safe Level Of Exposure

If you spend a substantial amount of time around asbestos, you have a significant chance of contracting an asbestos-related illness. However, even those exposed to asbestos fibres for a short time have contracted diseases later in life.

3) Asbestos-Related Illnesses Don’t Start With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a commonly known type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. However, before mesothelioma appears, you will experience fluid in the lungs first. The fluid causes the lining in your lungs to thicken, resulting in plaque and calcification.

4) Smoke Can Make The Risks Worse

We all know that smoking is harmful to your health. However, smoking, in combination with asbestos exposure, can make the risks much worse. In fact, it can increase the possibility of lung cancer developing.

5) Asbestos Is Still Mined Today

You might be shocked, however, asbestos is still mined across the world today. It has been banned in about 66 countries, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. However, it is still mined in some nations around the world. Russia, and some parts of Asia, still mine asbestos, regardless of the World Health Organisation’s studies that have proven it to be hazardous.

Conclusion

Although asbestos has been used for hundreds of years and was banned in New Zealand, it is still a threat to people’s health. Although there are many asbestos disposal services across the country, removing it, you should be aware of the risks. Remember these five facts the next time you suspect asbestos use in your home, office or a friend’s house, and get it tested immediately.