What makes asbestos

Fairfax County, Virginia has developed procedures for maintaining safe working conditions on construction sites in areas of naturally occurring asbestos and to prevent migration of asbestos laden dust off these sites naturally occurring asbestos in Fairfax County External.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Where is Asbestos Found? Minus Related Pages. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Due to the nature of the disease, there is no treatment, and people with asbestosis can only manage their symptoms.

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by dust particles. Symptoms include breathing difficulty and a cough. It can result from exposure to coal dust,.

Pancoast tumors occur with a type of cancer that starts in the upper part of the lung. They can spread to other tissues, resulting in a range of…. Air pollution surrounds people every day, both indoors and outdoors. Scars on the lung tissue can cause shortness of breath, fever, and night sweats. Learn more about how scarring occurs and what to do about it here. What causes asbestosis?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Where is it found? Where is asbestos found? Share on Pinterest Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to severe health problems, including asbestosis. Living with asbestosis. Asbestosis treatment. Asbestosis diagnosis and tests. Risk factors. When to see a doctor. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

Related Coverage. Pneumoconiosis: The risk of breathing in dust. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What's to know about Pancoast syndrome?

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Where Does Asbestos Come From? Asbestos-Related Diseases Scientific studies show exposure to asbestos is linked to several diseases, including cancers. Find Specialized Treatment Asbestos-related diseases require specialized treatment from experienced doctors. Connect with a Top Doctor. Asbestos Exposure Risks No amount of asbestos exposure is safe, but asbestos generally has the worst effects when a person is exposed to an intense concentration of it, or they are exposed on a regular basis over a long period of time.

Fast Fact Occupational asbestos exposure is the No. Learn about the latest mesothelioma treatments, how to find top doctors and clinical trial eligibility in your free guide.

Get Your Free Treatment Guide. Asbestos Products When Americans are exposed to asbestos today, it is usually through renovation or demolition work on an old building that still contains legacy asbestos products. Discontinued asbestos products Vinyl asbestos tiles Asbestos cement Asbestos roofing felt Asbestos adhesives, sealants and coatings Asbestos reinforced plastics. Learn More About Asbestos Products. Pittsburgh Corning Armstrong World Industries.

Learn More About Asbestos Companies. How to Identify Asbestos Products Microscopic asbestos fibers cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Asbestos materials fall into two risk categories:. Friable asbestos materials Friable asbestos materials are easy to break or crumble by hand.

Examples include old asbestos pipe insulation and talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. These materials are dangerous because they can easily release toxic dust into the air. Nonfriable asbestos materials Nonfriable asbestos materials, such as asbestos cement slabs and vinyl asbestos tiles, are durable. These products keep asbestos fibers safely trapped as long as the products are undisturbed. Sawing, scraping or smashing the product may release fibers.

Tips for Safely Handling Asbestos Some situations require the removal of asbestos-containing materials. If you are considering DIY asbestos abatement, remember the following precautions: Seal off the work area with plastic sheets and turn off the air conditioning.

Wear a respirator with a high efficiency particulate air HEPA filter. Wear disposable coveralls and gloves during asbestos abatement. Use a pump sprayer to keep asbestos materials wet and suppress dust at all times. Clean the work area with wet wipes or a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Dispose of asbestos waste in clearly labeled bags at a landfill that can accept asbestos.

Is Asbestos Banned? Safe Alternative to Asbestos Since the s, manufacturers in the United States have largely phased out the use of asbestos, relying instead on several safer substitutes. Polyurethane foam Polyurethane foam is cheap and effective for insulation. Construction workers can easily apply spray polyurethane foam to insulate and seal.

Amorphous silica fabric Amorphous silica fabric is a high-quality cloth woven from nearly pure amorphous silica fibers.

Like asbestos, the fibers do not rot or burn. Cellulose fiber Cellulose fiber is typically made from cotton, wood pulp, linen or shredded paper that is chemically treated to enhance it properties.

Thermoset plastic flour Thermoset plastic flour is made of a mixture of wood fibers and binders, such as egg or gelatin, which is hardened and then finely ground. Asbestos Cover-Up The history of asbestos extends back to ancient times, but in the U. Phasing Out Asbestos However, the publication of new information about asbestos and medical evidence linking the mineral to cancer could no longer be ignored. Timeline Late s Asbestos mining became a major industry to supply fibers for industrial products.

Asbestos companies quietly researched health effects and kept results hidden. Johns Manville settles 11 asbestosis lawsuits. Medical studies confirm asbestos causes mesothelioma. An asbestos insulator won the first major asbestos lawsuit.

Asbestos Lawsuits Asbestos manufacturers are held liable for the diseases their products cause because they covered up evidence of the health effects of asbestos and continued exposing workers and consumers. Get The Compensation You Deserve An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you and your family through the entire legal process. Connect with a mesothelioma lawyer today. Find a Top Mesothelioma Attorney. Common Questions About Asbestos.

What do I need to know about asbestos and diseases such as mesothelioma? Asbestos refers to a group of fibrous minerals used to strengthen and fireproof materials.

When inhaled over long periods of time, asbestos fibers become trapped in the body and cause diseases such as mesothelioma , lung cancer and asbestosis. More than 50 other countries have banned the use of asbestos, but its use remains legal in the U.

Hiring an asbestos abatement company to remove asbestos from residential and commercial buildings is the safest decision to keep yourself and others safe. Compensation is available for those who have been exposed to asbestos. Should I see a doctor if I have been exposed to asbestos? Can I get compensation if I have been exposed to asbestos?

Quick Fact Companies that exposed people to asbestos were forced to create trust funds before filing for bankruptcy. Access Mesothelioma Trust Funds.