We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Is Asbestos Dangerous?

By D Frank
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,616
Share

Asbestos is a very useful material, but it's also extremely hazardous. It's made from six separate fibrous minerals — chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Though it's been used in a variety of products since the early 1900s, it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that its effects became clear. People who are exposed to this material can experience a range of health problems.

Almost everyone has been exposed to some form of asbestos during their everyday lives. It is extremely heat retardant, and so is used in products like vehicle brake pads, roofing shingles, and floor tiles. It's also commonly found in old insulation for heating ducts and water pipes. The use of such products has declined rapidly in the United States in the late 20th century, but it is still commonly used in some developing countries.

When left in an undisturbed state, asbestos is not harmful. However, cutting or tearing it releases small fibrous particles into the air. These don't dissolve and can linger indefinitely. Inhaling these fibers over a long period of time can cause a variety of variety of breathing and lung disorders, heart problems, and certain cancers, including mesothelioma.

While minimal exposure may not cause problems, many people still choose to hire abatement companies to remove asbestos products from their homes, schools, office buildings. Abatement workers wear insulated clothing and helmeted masks designed to prohibit the substance from entering their bodies. They also secure and isolate the area so ensure all dust and byproducts are contained.

One of the most common conditions caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis, a condition in which the lung tissue becomes scarred. People with this condition experience shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and, in advanced stages, spasms. There is no known cure for asbestosis. Workers who mine for the materials used to create asbestos are at a greater risk for exposure, as are employees of manufacturing plants where asbestos products are made.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon79645 — On Apr 23, 2010

First of all, asbestos is not a single material at all. It is simply a form of mineral that is extremely long and fibrous.

The mentioned minerals in this article all can have an asbestos form but do not combine to make a material simply know as "asbestos". Unless you are eating large amounts of chrysotile daily it is perfectly safe. Any abatement company is a complete waste of your money.

By anon13724 — On Jun 03, 2008

I am currently looking at building D-3 at the naval weapons station at Earle NJ, and the roof is a transite panel roof COVERED with MOSS. So the answer to your question is certainly Y E S !!!!

By anon2781 — On Jul 25, 2007

can asbestos have moss on it?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/is-asbestos-dangerous.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.