White asbestos facts for kids
White asbestos, also known as chrysotile asbestos, is a type of asbestos. Asbestos is a group of natural minerals made of tiny, strong fibers. These fibers are resistant to heat and chemicals. White asbestos is the most common type, making up about 95% of asbestos found in buildings.
Even though experts think white asbestos is less dangerous than other types, it can still harm your health. If you breathe in its tiny fibers, they can get stuck in your lungs. Over time, this can lead to serious lung diseases like asbestosis (a lung scarring disease) and even cancer.
Contents
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a word for six types of natural minerals. These minerals are found in rocks. They are made of very thin, strong fibers. For a long time, people used asbestos in many products. This was because it was cheap, strong, and could resist fire and heat. It was also good at insulating things.
Where Was White Asbestos Used?
White asbestos was used in many building materials. You could find it in roof tiles, floor tiles, and insulation. It was also in car brake pads and some fabrics. Its special properties made it seem very useful.
Why Was It Used So Much?
White asbestos was popular because it was easy to find. It was also cheaper than other types of asbestos. Its fibers are flexible, which made it good for weaving into cloth or mixing into cement.
Health Risks of White Asbestos
When materials containing asbestos get old or are disturbed, tiny fibers can break off. These fibers are so small you can't see them. If you breathe them in, they can go deep into your lungs. Your body finds it hard to get rid of these fibers.
What Happens if You Breathe it In?
Over many years, these fibers can cause serious health problems. The main diseases linked to asbestos are:
- Asbestosis: This is a lung disease where the lung tissue gets scarred. It makes it hard to breathe.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and very serious cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Is it Dangerous if it's Not Disturbed?
If asbestos materials are in good condition and not disturbed, they usually don't release fibers. This means they are less likely to cause harm. The danger comes when the materials are cut, drilled, or broken. This releases the tiny fibers into the air.
Safety Around Asbestos
Because of the health risks, many countries have banned or limited the use of asbestos. If you think there might be asbestos in your home or school, it's important not to touch it.
What Should You Do?
If you find materials you think might contain asbestos:
- Do not touch them.
- Do not try to clean them up yourself.
- Tell a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.
- Only trained professionals should handle or remove asbestos. They have special equipment to do it safely.
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Chrysotile asbestos
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