Characteristics of Asbestos

Asbestos has been a commonly used material since the ancient Greeks, who noted it for both its unique resistance to the elements and its severe health effect on people exposed to it. In more recent years, it has been mixed into cement, used to insulate buildings, and even woven into clothing and paper. Controversy sprung up about the material when it was scientifically correlated with high rates of lung cancer.

Fire Retardant

• One of the most frequently noted characteristics of asbestos is its ability to withstand fire. Objects made of asbestos can be thrown into an open flame and then retrieved, perfectly in tact. For the same reason, it has been used to insulate buildings from fire.

Asbestos Weaves

• Asbestos can also be woven, like wool. This allows manufactures to produce clothing, blankets, table clothes, curtains and other woven products. If soiled, these materials can be thrown into a fire and cleaned by the flames--something that cotton and wool cannot do. However, wearing asbestos and being in close regular contact with it can have severe health consequences.

Health Effects

• Over long periods of exposure, asbestos can be detrimental to people's health. One common health concern is asbestosis. When inhaled, asbestos's sharp fibers tear at the lungs, first causing bleeding and then scarring. The scar tissue prevents effective oxygen absorption and leads to asbestosis. A more severe consequence of asbestos exposure is lung cancer, which is often fatal. Both asbestosis and asbestos-triggered lung cancer are still common amongst laborers in industrial jobs where asbestos is used.