A SLOW BUT SURE KILLER

 It takes between 15 to 60 years from the time of exposure till signs of sickness appear, its treatment is not only expensive but painful as well - asbestos and its effect.

WHAT ARE ASBESTOS
Asbestos are a set of naturally occurring silicate mineral materials that are fibrous in structure.
Its qualities like fire resistant, good insulation, corrosion resistant, durability high strength, and good flexibility led to its fast spread in the world in the last century.
It was later banned in many countries after it was found to cause respiratory, alimentary complications but due to its durability, asbestos products such as roofing sheets are still available.  In Developed countries where the problem was first realized, stringent measure to handle asbestos and materials associated are in place.
However, in the developing countries, though the problem isn't serious, lack of knowledge on the effects and handling procedure of asbestos is a concern. Consider photo 1 below of open dumped asbestos debris, apart from being unsafe way of disposal, there is high possibility of exposure to people who handled the materials from where they were as asbestos sheets and more exposure to people when open disposed.

                                                 Photo 1. Asbestos debris disposed in the open

WHERE ASBESTOS IS FOUND
1. as roofing sheets for industries, institutions and residential houses
2. Boiler lining
3. Brake pads and clutch blades and gaskets of vehicles
4. Some type of fabrics like fire blanket
5. Toys

HOW TO IDENTIFY ASBESTOS
Asbestos can only be positively identified through laboratory analysis. However, building and other materials produced before 1980s contain asbestos. A reason enough to take care while dealing products cement sheets from old buildings

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASE OF EXPOSURE
1. Asbestos disposal in the open
2. Because they are ceramic like you will find them pieces thrown on pathways and rough roads
3. People removing them do no use protective equipment
4.  Re-use fairly large-sized pieces in building kiosks in estates

Photo 2. Big broken asbestos sheets re-used to make a structure

WHY ASBESTOS IS A HAZARD
they are a set of naturally occurring silicate mineral materials that are fibrous in structure.
Its qualities like fire resistant, good insulation, corrosion resistant, durability high strength, and good flexibility led to its fast spread in the world in the last century.
It was later banned in many countries but due to its durability, asbestos products such as roofing sheets are still available.  In Developed countries where the problem was first realized, stringent measure to handle asbestos and materials associated are in place.
However, in the developing countries, though the problem isn't serious, lack of knowledge on the effects and handling procedure of asbestos is a concern. Consider  photo 1 below of open dumped asbestos debris, apart from  being unsafe way of disposal, there is high possibility of exposure to people who handled the materials from where they were as asbestos sheets.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ASBESTOS OF EXPOSURE
1. Asbestos disposal in the open
2. Because they are ceramic like you will find them pieces thrown on pathways and rough roads
3. People removing them do no use protective equipment
4.  Re-use of fairly large-sized pieces in building kiosks in estates

WHY ASBESTOS IS A HAZARD
the major asbestos concern stems from its disease-causing nature. It causes asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos fibers even in combined form like with cement will continue to fragment from visible to microscopic when airborne to respiratory and alimentary systems.

DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH ASBESTOS
1. MESOTHELIOMA
Is a cancer of the mesothelial cells which make a lining around the lungs called pleural and a lining around abdominal organs called peritoneum these two linings produce lubricating fluid to avoid irritation of internal organs during movement
Symptoms include chest pain, weight loss, and chronic cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain and bowel obstruction.
2. ASBESTOSIS
It is inflammation and fibrous change of lungs.
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pains, and breathe shortness can ultimately lead to heart diseases.
3. LUNG CANCER

HOW TO HANDLE ASBESTOS
For you to prove a sheet as asbestos you need it is important to carry out a lab test but the rule of the thumb is never touch/ disturb a material suspected.
And if you have to, then follow the procedure below:-
1. Wear nose masks other protective gear such disposable overall with hood and lace-less shoes when dealing with asbestos.
2. If working with asbestos, isolate the area with warning using isolation tape
3. Dampen before bolting or unbolting to avoid asbestos dust blow
4. Don't sweep floor suspected with asbestos; wet clean
5.handle with care to avoid breakage.
6. Remove your respirator or mask last after dealing with anything that had come into contact with asbestos

SAFE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS
Countries like the USA asbestos is a serious issue and is only handled by qualified people following well laid down procedures for disposal. However in most developing nations, as much as the procedures are there, not  is in practice.
In situation where there are no designated landfills, bury them deep in a landfill or a specially dug out hole where you can't disturb them to the surface.