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Asbestos (White Lung)

Asbestos is a mineral that consists of very fine, microscopic, needle-shaped fibers. The fibers are so small that you cannot see them unless the concentration in the air is very heavy. Asbestos is an excellent material for many uses. It is strong, resists heat, acids, and friction, and is virtually indestructible! Because of these properties, asbestos was often combined with other materials for use in industry and construction. Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when they are inhaled. The problem is with the shape and length of the fibers, not their chemical composition. When the asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can become trapped in lung tissue. After being inhaled, the fibers can also be coughed up and swallowed or distributed throughout the body from the lungs via the lymph system.

 OSHA - Has put regulations in place to protect workers for harm from asbestos exposure. Protections in place include assessment of the workplace, permissible exposure limit, monitoring, and records. The records must be kept for 30 years on any information regarding exposure to asbestos, and workplaces are routinely checked in order to ensure workplace safety.

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 2, 2018 at 3:31 PM

    Hi Jordan,

    Just the way asbestos is described makes me wonder how we all don't have more lung issues. It is concerning that it is in so many things we are exposed to every day. I still remember my parents telling me not to pin anything to our popcorn ceilings because of the asbestos.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Caitlin WintonNovember 3, 2018 at 8:13 AM

    Hi Jordan,

    You talked a lot about the different aspects of asbestos. I can see why it is used so much! It seems like a great products until you find out how terrible it can be for you lungs. I'm glad there are more regulations about it!

    ReplyDelete

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