A grayish mineral that separates readily into long, flexible fibers, asbestos was used in the past to make brake linings, insulation, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, cement pipes, and other building materials. Asbestos fabrics were used for safety apparel and theater curtains. In the ...
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Pleural effusionshappen when the lining of the lungs becomes irritated by asbestos fibers. This results in a fluid build-up in the pleural space. This condition in turn leads to shortness of breath, coughing, and pain in the chest.
Asbestosis: The scarring and inflammation of lung tissue caused by exposure to asbestos is known as asbestosis. Inhaled asbestos fibers reach the body’s air sacs, or alveoli, where oxygen is transferred into the blood. The lung’s immune system will react to the presence of asbestos by att...
Asbestos fibers are microscopically small fibers—hundreds of times more fine than a human hair. When released into the air, these fibers remain airborne for extended periods of time. Sweeping or even regular vacuuming easily agitates the asbestos fibers. In fact, vacuuming re-suspends the fibers...
Asbestosis is not a cancer, meaning it doesn’t spread. Development of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma develops when microscopic asbestos fibers lodge into the lining covering either the lungs or abdomen. These linings are made up of mesothelial cells. Usually, the body eradicates these fibers. When the...
2. a fabric woven from asbestos fibers, formerly used for theater curtains, firefighters' gloves, etc. Sometimes, as•bes′tus. [1350–1400; Middle English asbeston, albeston < Middle French < Latin asbestos < Greek: literally, unquenchable] as•bes′tous, adj. Random House Kernerman ...
Common health problems that can arise from prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Although these types of negative side-effects may not be instant, the accumulation of exposure overtime may be detrimental, meaning that the sooner asbestos removal in...
Different cancers can develop depending on where the fibers are lodged in the body. Unfortunately, asbestos is still not entirely banned in the United States and can be found in millions of homes, factories, and mechanical equipment. “Approximately half of the deaths from occupational cancer are...
Written by Kelly Mitchell Kelly Mitchell, extremely competent and reliable, she is currently in her third year at the University of Lincoln UK, studying Fashion. Kelly is responsible for the Fabrics, Fibers and Leathers sections of our Dictionary...