| Asbestos is the name for the family of minerals that | | | | - Fireproofing |
| are fibrous. Historically, it was used in lamp wicks. | | | | - Gaskets |
| Asbestos is resistant to fire and it is thus used for | | | | - Vinyl floor titles & sheeting |
| various purposes. It is derived from metamorphic | | | | - Roofing tars and siding |
| rocks. | | | | - Brake pads and shoes |
| It is mixed with cement or fabric to be used for | | | | - Fire blankets |
| various purposes. Because it is flame resistant, | | | | - Fire clothing for fire fighters |
| chemical resistant and flexible, it is used in electric | | | | - Thermal pipe insulation |
| insulation in constructing buildings, brake shoes and | | | | - Ceiling tiles |
| gaskets. | | | | - Insulation board |
| The major disadvantage of asbestos is that it is very | | | | - Thermal and chemical insulation |
| harmful. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause | | | | - Cement sheets and pipes |
| various terrible illnesses like mesothelioma. | | | | - Water casing |
| Mesothelioma, whether cancerous or not, is a terrible | | | | Health concerns: From the beginning of 1970s, the |
| illness that can mar a person's entire life. Many | | | | concerns related to health because of exposure to |
| countries have banned the use of asbestos for some | | | | asbestos have increased. Thousands of people die |
| purposes. | | | | because of diseases caused by inhalation of asbestos |
| History of asbestos: | | | | filers. Asbestos is invisible to the human eye as it is |
| The Greeks, Romans and Persians used asbestos. | | | | very light and minute. This makes it easily airborne |
| The ancient Greeks first identified it. It was used a | | | | and exposure to human respiratory system is easy. |
| lot during the industrial revolution in the US and | | | | This leads to terrible diseases like lung cancer, |
| Canada. The Main purpose, during then, was | | | | mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos warts, pleural |
| Insulation; Asbestos fibers were also used in | | | | plaques and diffuse pleural thickening. |
| automobile brake pads and shoes. The first brands of | | | | Action taken: |
| filter cigarette, Kent, used asbestos in its filter. Only | | | | Various countries have banned the use of asbestos |
| in the 1920s, the disease, asbestosis, caused by | | | | completely some have banned asbestos use for |
| inhaling asbestos fibers was recognized. Only in the | | | | certain purposes. However, there are still countries |
| 1940s, it was realized that mesothelioma was caused | | | | like India and China that are continuing to use |
| by asbestos. | | | | asbestos in the construction industry. |
| Usage of asbestos: | | | | It is time that they woke up to the harmful effects |
| Asbestos was widely used in construction industry | | | | of asbestos. It is their duty to protect the citizens |
| and shipping industry-It is used for the following | | | | from asbestos harm. The WHO should also take |
| purposes: | | | | some positive steps in this regard. |