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Asbestos Area
The usefulness as well as harmful effects of the naturally occurring mineral asbestos had been known to man since ancient times. It is a well known fact that the asbestos fiber is very strong and can be easily molded like cotton. Also this fiber is very much resistant to fire, acids and other corrosive forces. But at the same time man has been aware of the harmful effects that this fiber can have on the human body. In fact the extensive use of asbestos began only in the nineteenth century during the times of the industrial revolution. The harmful effects of the asbestos fiber were completely ignored and it was used for variety of purposes. At the time of industrial revolution this mineral was used in the manufacturing of insulation for steam pipes, boilers, ovens, kilns, turbines and other products that required high temperature. The earlier readings of the ancient scholars regarding the harmful effects of asbestos on the human body were completely ignored. Even in the present times the asbestos is quite frequently used in areas like shipyards, metal works, power plants, chemical plants, iron mines, and other places.
The mining and use of asbestos is banned in many countries. The countries that first discovered the case of mesothelioma as related to asbestos were the first to ban it. Many countries followed suits and at present many countries are planning to regulate the use of asbestos in their respective countries. But still there are many countries that have not banned the use of asbestos and are actively engaged in the mining and application of asbestos in various processes. People living in these countries are the most vulnerable towards the development of mesothelioma. People who work in asbestos rich areas should ask their employers to provide protective gear. |
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