This is a further clip of the film “A Matter Of Time” It shows the wide use of asbestos in many product types The clip, which lasts for 2:32 minutes, will appear next. You can move on at any time Asbestos Awareness

The heat insulation, efficiency, strength and durability of asbestos containing products was noted in practice, and gradually led to the expansion of the use of asbestos within many products including:- WallboardingInsulation boardsTextured coatings AdhesiveLaggingPaper products Brake componentsFloor tilesFire doors Roofing feltSoffitsLift shafts Bath panels Rainwater pipes And many more By the 1950s, most building contained asbestos in a variety of forms. It was considered a “magic” ingredient, extending the lifespan of products and making them longer lasting, stronger and less prone to damage Asbestos Awareness

The History of Asbestos Even when it was used by the ancients, the dangers of asbestos were present for those who were able to see it In the 1 st century AD, Pliny the elder noted that slaves working in asbestos mines died young of lung disease. Asbestos Awareness

Over time, it began to be noticed again that those in contact with asbestos were contracting lung disease. One of the first reports we have which linked asbestos to illness and deaths was in 1898:- In 1898, a report to the chief inspector of factories stated:- “The evil affects of asbestos dust have also attracted my attention, a microscopic examination of this mineral dust, which was made by the medical inspector, clearly revealed the sharp glass – like, jagged nature of the particles and where they are allowed to rise and remain suspended in the air of a room, in any quantity, the effects have been found to be injurious, as might be expected”. Asbestos Awareness

The dangers of asbestos The dangers of asbestos are caused by the physical properties of the substance. Asbestos is made up of thin fibres or particles. These can break down into even thinner particles which cannot be seen by the naked eye Asbestos Awareness

These partials enter the lungs and digestive system and are so small they can penetrate the body’s organs at the microscopic level and protrude into the organs. These then act like tiny swords which puncture the linings of the lung, or pleura where there are small air sacs. These sacs act like balloons, filling and releasing air as we breathe. Over time scarring causes the pleura to thicken reducing its elastic properties and decreasing the ability to take in air and breathe. Asbestos in the body can lead to a range of painful, debilitating and often fatal diseases. Asbestos Awareness

The film that follows is entitled “Disease from Inhaling Asbestos”, it is 1:02 minutes and you can skip this by clicking the next button. Asbestos Awareness

Mesothelioma Breathed in asbestos begins to accumulate in the body which causes cells in the lining surrounding the interior body cavity, to mutate. This cavity is called the Mesothelium and is the layer that secretes mucus, lubricating the heart and lungs, allowing them to work properly. The lung and heart function is reduced and gradually the cancer is spread through out the body. Although Mesothelioma is the most common asbestos related disease, it is not the only one:- On average it takes years after asbestos exposure before a worker is affected by mesothelioma. The number of mesothelioma deaths is expected to rise, peaking between Asbestos Awareness

Asbestosis Although not technically a cancer, in asbestosis, the asbestos particles become embedded in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs of the lungs. The body in an attempt to defend its self, creates scar tissue on the alveoli and when this builds up enough, it causes the lung to fail. This can effect both lungs at once and has a high fatality rate, since there are few treatment options. Asbestos can also cause non – cancerous conditions Asbestos Awareness

Pleural plaques Asbestos fibres entering the lungs cause scar tissue resulting in the lungs becoming thick and scaly. Plaques do not always progress to prevent lung function. Pleural fibrosis Asbestos fibres entering the lungs cause the pleural fluid to thicken. This results in shortness of breath and laboured breathing. This condition can lead to other problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Asbestos Awareness