Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a word used to describe group of fibrous minerals that occur naturally in the earth. These minerals are long, thin fibers widely used in manufactured goods because of their ability to be woven, high tensile strength, insulating properties and resistance to heat and most chemicals. North American mining of asbestos minerals and its commercial use began in the 1800's and by 1950, the United States was the world's largest user of asbestos. Since then, manufacturers have used asbestos in products such as roofing materials, thermal and electrical insulation, cement pipe and sheets, flooring, gaskets, coatings, plastics, textiles, paper and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts.
Regulation of asbestos use started in the 1970's with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banning its use in several applications, such as gas fireplaces, where product use could release asbestos into the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses for asbestos in 1989 and its use has declined, but because the EPA still allows uses established prior to that date asbestos products are still manufactured and in use today.
Asbestos mining, manufacturing of asbestos products and deterioration or disturbing of an asbestos products in some way, such as during construction or demolition, releases asbestos mineral fibers into the environment. The human eye cannot see these fibers because they are so small. When a person inhales these asbestos fibers, they lodge in the lungs and remain there throughout the person's life. High concentrations of asbestos, long duration and frequency of asbestos exposure increase the probability of asbestos-related health conditions.
