Recycling Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous mineral once thought
only fit for a king, is and has been used in several different ways.
The many forms of asbestos have been used as construction materials.
Particularly in the rebuilding of Germany in the post war period, in
some parts of countries which are still developing like India and China,
and in many of the housing schemes brought to life in the 1970s.
Asbestos occurs as 6 different types of minerals which are formed and
occur naturally within the environment. Due to the nature of these
minerals, they can be heated to separate and then spun to make into
durable materials, of which are incredibly fire retardant.
For this reason, many governments have implemented the use of asbestos
when considering a cheap and easy alternative for building housing for
those under pension.
Unfortunately, asbestos becomes even more dangerous in its processed
form, due to the nature of the small fibers. These small fibers are
smaller in size, than a human hair. They are easily airborne, which adds
to their danger.
Asbestos can cause a variety of ailments. From lung cancer, to
asbestosis (a condition of the lungs, caused by the tiny fibers lodging
themselves in the lung), to warts caused by the asbestosis caught in the
skin. Often there are cases of asbestosis, in which a larger fiber of
asbestos is caught within the body, and then shatters and carries to
limbs, and the lungs. Not only can this cause cancer, but several other
illnesses and diseases related to the mineral.
Many countries have placed a complete ban on the use of asbestos, and
are currently employing several techniques to ridding their lives of the
dangerous substance.
Several companies are permitted to clean houses with special vacuums, on
the condition that they wear full body suits and facial masks to void
their chances of contracting asbestosis.
However, due to these bans there is no way to recycle asbestos, and if
you believe you may contain some product of asbestos, it is of dire
importance that you contact the appropriate authorities, to help rid
this product of your house, to avoid you and your family from
contracting any potentially fatal illness.
Due to asbestos’ durability when in contact with fire (it was commonly
used in fire blankets, as well as fireproofing in houses) there are next
to no ways of disposing of the substance. This is why cautious steps
must be taken, and must be left up to the professionals.
Unfortunately, there is no way to recycle or dispose of asbestos. To rid
your house or home of asbestos, a professional must be contacted to
avoid anyone contracting any fatal illnesses. When building a new house,
or building, please ensure that your contractor doesn’t use any items
containing asbestos; depending on what country, state or shire you live
in, asbestos may still be legal.
Please ensure that you are safe from this substance, and that you do not
try to remove it without the aid of a professional.
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