Asbestosis

Asbestosis

Asbestos is a is a substance comprised of fibres once used commonly in mining and construction due to its highly desirable physical properties; including its resistance to damage from heat, fire, chemicals and electricity.  

When a piece of asbestos is broken, however, the fibres are released. This dust, upon inhalation, causes widespread scarring of the lung tissue. This is known as asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos dust can also cause lung cancer.

Towards the end of the 1980s, public awareness was drawn to the link between asbestos exposure and lung disease. Nowadays, in some places of the world, the use of asbestos is entirely banned. This includes the use, processing and manufacture of asbestos products.

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