Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos can be naturally occurring. It is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals, which all have similar habitats, length and are thin fibrous crystals. These naturally occurring particles have been known to present a health hazard since at least the first century.
Asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye due to their small size. The smaller the asbestos fiber is, the more easily it becomes airborne, and human respiration of the particles can occur. Fibers do eventually settle but can be re–suspended in air by weather conditions, natural causes, or human disturbance. Although the fibers are small, they are large enough that the lungs cannot expel them and they become trapped inside. Asbestos fibers are also sharp and penetrate tissue.
Asbestos became widely used commercially during the industrial revolution in the latter part of the 19th century. It was used in the production of building materials, insulation, automotive brake linings, and textiles. It became used in the production of more than 3,000 products. The use of asbestos increased greatly during World War II. The use of asbestos continued to increase until the 1970s. However, by then there was overwhelming evidence of asbestos being a serious health hazard. It was during this time that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency began regulating the use of asbestos.
The amount of time a person is exposed to asbestos resulting in mesothelioma can be short. However, there can be a significant delay in the manifestation of malignant mesothelioma. Onset of the disease can occur 20–50 years after exposure. 30–40 years is the peak period of manifestation of the disease following exposure. Any person working in an environment that contains asbestos should wear protective gear to lower the risk of exposure.
Today, there are strict regulations and enforcement of asbestos laws. People are generally protected from exposure to asbestos. However, these laws and protections do not help the millions of Americans who were already exposed to asbestos before the 1980s.