Understanding Asbestosis, A Disease Caused By Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a group of minerals characterized by their fibrous crystalline structure that is composed mainly of silicate. Asbestos has been used for more than 3,000 years in a variety of applications.

An estimated 3,000 products in use today contain asbestos in some form. Asbestos is overwhelmingly found in materials used in heat and acoustic insulation, fireproofing, and roofing and flooring. Some of the more common products that may contain asbestos include pipe and duct insulation, building insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, patching and spackling compounds, artificial fireplaces and materials, roofing materials, and electrical wires.

Asbestos has been found to be extremely hazardous to the health because of its friable nature. If asbestos is disturbed or damaged, it can then break up, releasing microscopic crystal fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause damage by penetrating internal tissues. One of the diseases that asbestos can cause is asbestosis.