Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has heat-resistant properties. It was widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength and fire-resistant qualities. However, its fibers can cause serious health issues, like lung cancer and mesothelioma, when inhaled or ingested, leading to its ban in many countries.
Asbestos is not an unfamiliar term, it has long been in the news and public mind for its renowned harmful effects on human health. However, the need to get a comprehensive understanding of asbestos, its origins, its types, its potential dangers, and the various misconceptions around it remain pertinent. Therefore, this article seeks to bridge the knowledge gap for everyone.
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals characterized by long, thin fibrous crystals. These minerals are acclaimed for their impressive heat and chemical resistance, tensile strength, and insulating properties.
The usage of asbestos dates back to thousands of years ago. Historically, it was used in clay pots and also for wicking in ancient lamps. However, its use escalated during the Industrial Revolution, where it was incorporated in numerous products for its durability and fire resistance.
Asbestos is formed in the earth’s crust through metamorphic processes, where rocks with high silicate content are subjected to extreme heat and pressure. These crystals have unique properties, including incredible fire resistance, electric and thermal insulation, and chemical resilience.
The most commonly used asbestos type is Chrysotile, also referred to as white asbestos. Its fibers are notably curly and flexible, which makes it easy to weave them into fabrics.
Amosite, or brown asbestos, exhibits straighter and shorter fibers. It was primarily used for its exceptional heat resistance properties in construction materials.
Recognized as blue asbestos, Crocidolite holds the reputation of being the most lethal. Its remarkably thin fibers can easily penetrate lung tissue, leading to severe health issues.
Although these types are not commercially used, they coincide with other mined minerals and thus can contaminate other types of asbestos.
Asbestos fibers’ characteristic tiny size allows them to be inhaled easily. Once inhaled, these fibers can lodge themselves deep into the lungs’ tissues, triggering an inflammatory reaction that can ultimately lead to the formation of deadly diseases.
Asbestos-related diseases are progressive and often fatal. They include Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the linings of the lungs or abdomen; Asbestosis, a chronic respiratory disease that causes lung tissue scarring and Lung cancer.
Asbestos exposure can occur by breathing in airborne asbestos fibers in workplaces, homes, or buildings that contain asbestos materials. Construction workers, miners, and others in similar professions are at the highest risk of exposure.
One prevailing myth is that asbestos is banned worldwide. However, the reality shows that asbestos mining and use are still permitted in several countries. Another misconception is that everyone exposed to asbestos will suffer from health issues, which is not always the case.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even brief, small exposures can lead to the onset of asbestos-related diseases several years or decades later.
Diverse laws and regulations have been initiated to regulate the use of asbestos. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instituted several bans for particular forms of asbestos and their uses.
Regions with regulations have set up guidelines for the management of asbestos, including its removal, handling, and disposal by licensed professionals who follow proper safety measures to protect themselves and the general public.
In summary, asbestos is a mineral with unique properties that led to its extensive usage. But its lethal impacts on health, especially lung diseases, are noteworthy. Therefore, it’s vital to unravel the misconceptions and reinforce the adequate measures to safeguard against its hazards.
Lives can be saved through knowledge and due diligence. Hence, we should endeavor to increase awareness about asbestos and its associated risks, an effort that starts with each one of us.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals. It is often found in buildings, including homes, factories, and offices as it was extensively used in construction materials.
The main types of asbestos include Chrysotile, Amosite, and Crocidolite. They primarily differ in their physical characteristics and the level of harm they can cause to human health.
Asbestos exposure can result in several serious diseases including Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, and Lung cancer.
No level of asbestos exposure is safe. Even minor exposures can result in the illness or death of someone who comes into contact with asbestos particles.
Precautions can involve regular and thorough inspections of buildings, following rules for the handling and disposal of asbestos, and reaching out to professionals if asbestos is suspected to be present.
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