We've all heard of it before, but what is asbestos exactly? Where it found and what are the possible consequences of asbestos exposure? What is asbestos? Asbestos is a collective term for a group of minerals composed of microscopically small, needle-like fibers.
Because of their size, these fibers are easily inhaled and are therefore considered a health hazard.
Where can asbestos be found?
In the past, asbestos was used for building houses. Since 2005 its use has been prohibited in Europe because of the severe health damage caused by the fibers in this material. Asbestos fibers are also found in the open air, for instance originating from the brake linings of cars. As far as is known, these small amounts don't pose a threat to the health. Today, the use of asbestos in brake linings is no longer permitted. Sometimes, small amounts of asbestos can be found in potable water (through sealants in large concrete water pipes) and food (from air pollution or food industry filters). As far as is known, these amounts aren't detrimental to the health.
What are the possible consequences of asbestos exposure?
Inhaling asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis (brown lung disease) or mesothelioma (peritoneal and pleural cancer). Since 2005, the use of asbestos has been prohibited in many parts of the world. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 people die each year due to asbestos exposure.
How do I prevent asbestos exposure?
For a layman, the clearest indication is the age of the materials. Materials from before 1980 can contain asbestos. All materials containing asbestos have a fibrous structure, although it can be difficult to see this in tightly bound materials and products. White asbestos is the most commonly used type of asbestos. Products and materials containing white asbestos vary in color from white to gray. Tightly bound asbestos was used until 1993. Other sources of information are the manufacturer or supplier of the materials or the owner/ tenant of a house. Microscopic examination is the only way to determine whether a material contains asbestos.
If you have any doubts when renovating an old house, gather information or contact an expert for removal. However, sometimes the asbestos isn't directly recognized. There is a small risk of cancer when fibers penetrate into the lung or end up in the peritoneum or the pulmonary membrane.
Where can asbestos be found?
Asbestos is most commonly found in older products and materials. This varies per product group.
For an extensive overview of asbestos-containing materials and products, you can order the leaflet 'Asbest in en om het huis' from the VROM (Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment).
Where can asbestos be found?
In the past, asbestos was used for building houses. Since 2005 its use has been prohibited in Europe because of the severe health damage caused by the fibers in this material. Asbestos fibers are also found in the open air, for instance originating from the brake linings of cars. As far as is known, these small amounts don't pose a threat to the health. Today, the use of asbestos in brake linings is no longer permitted. Sometimes, small amounts of asbestos can be found in potable water (through sealants in large concrete water pipes) and food (from air pollution or food industry filters). As far as is known, these amounts aren't detrimental to the health.
What are the possible consequences of asbestos exposure?
Inhaling asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis (brown lung disease) or mesothelioma (peritoneal and pleural cancer). Since 2005, the use of asbestos has been prohibited in many parts of the world. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 people die each year due to asbestos exposure.
How do I prevent asbestos exposure?
For a layman, the clearest indication is the age of the materials. Materials from before 1980 can contain asbestos. All materials containing asbestos have a fibrous structure, although it can be difficult to see this in tightly bound materials and products. White asbestos is the most commonly used type of asbestos. Products and materials containing white asbestos vary in color from white to gray. Tightly bound asbestos was used until 1993. Other sources of information are the manufacturer or supplier of the materials or the owner/ tenant of a house. Microscopic examination is the only way to determine whether a material contains asbestos.
If you have any doubts when renovating an old house, gather information or contact an expert for removal. However, sometimes the asbestos isn't directly recognized. There is a small risk of cancer when fibers penetrate into the lung or end up in the peritoneum or the pulmonary membrane.
Where can asbestos be found?
Asbestos is most commonly found in older products and materials. This varies per product group.
For an extensive overview of asbestos-containing materials and products, you can order the leaflet 'Asbest in en om het huis' from the VROM (Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment).
- Asbestos-containing concrete slabs: found in sheets of corrugated material, roof boardings and outer walls- often of sheds and garages.
- Floor covering: on the back of linoleum and certain solid vinyl tiles.
- Domestic appliances: hot plates, electric irons and hair dryers from before 1995.
- Spray-applied asbestos: insulating materials or as fire-resistant coating on steel constructions. Source: http://www.milieucentraal.nl/pagina?onderwerp=Milieubewust%20eten