Asbestos is a substance that was once widely used in various industrial and building applications because of its desirable insulation and fire-resistant qualities. Many countries banned asbestos because exposure to the mineral is linked to various forms of cancer, including mesothelioma. According to The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, an advocacy group that raises awareness about the dangers of asbestos, many Americans are still dealing with the aftermath of widespread asbestos use, and many more at still at risk of exposure.

Asbestos.com
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What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals – crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite and chrysotile. All six minerals form long, thin fibrous crystals resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Microscopic particles can become airborne and accidentally inhaled.

Since ancient times, people used asbestos to strengthen pottery and create fire-resistant fabrics. By the mid-19th century, large-scale mining of asbestos became popular, especially in North America and Europe. Its insulating and fireproofing properties, and relatively low cost, made asbestos ideal for industrial applications, including building materials, cement, electrical parts, and auto parts. Many structures containing asbestos materials are still standing today.

In the early 20th century, medical experts found a link between exposure to asbestos and several dangerous respiratory conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and other cancers. These were common among blue-collar workers. Mesothelioma, mostly affects the lining of the lungs. It more rarely develops in the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, the most common form, include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dry cough. Patients may also experience fluid in the lungs.

Is asbestos banned in the US?

Despite evidence of asbestos hazards during the 1930s and 1940s manufacturers ignored these dangers. But in the late 1970s, hefty regulations against the asbestos industry, mounting lawsuits and scientific evidence of its carcinogenic properties led countries to ban the mineral. Various laws have restricted the use of asbestos in the US, including the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986.

The US Environmental Protection Agency in 1989 banned all asbestos products. However, , the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit overturned the EPA's decision. While asbestos mining has been banned in the US since 2002, asbestos is still imported. Almost 114 metric tons of asbestos was imported in the first quarter of 2022 for use in the chlor-alkali industry.

Today, asbestos remains legal in the U.S., but under heavy regulation. A total of 67 countries, including all European Union members and other developed countries, have banned asbestos., The U.S. remains the exception.

Despite its limited use in the U.S, The Mesothelioma Center says many Americans are still at risk of asbestos exposure. Older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s, may contain asbestos, which can lead to occupants being exposed. DIY homeowners can become accidentally exposed when remodeling homes. Firefighters responding to fires at older structures can also be exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.

How can The Mesothelioma Center help people exposed to asbestos?

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com provides various free services to patients with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Their services extend to patients' families and anyone else who wants information about asbestos exposure. The center's website offers free, comprehensive information about asbestos, mesothelioma, treatment, support and legal options among other services. Medical, legal and scientific experts have reviewed the information to ensure its accuracy.

"AtAsbestos.com, strive to inform the public about the dangers of asbestos and provide information about different medical and legal resources to patients and their loved ones," says Karen Selby, registered nurse and patient advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. "Many people may find themselves working or living in an environment that contains asbestos. It's important they know how to protect themselves and their families now to reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other disorders in the future.