A naturally-occurring mineral now known to cause asbestos cancer, asbestos has long been considered a miracle material. Boasting. excellent heat- and fire-resistant properties, asbestos has ahistory that dates back to the ancient Greek island of Ewoia—what is believed to-be the site of the first asbestos mine, As a matter of fact, the word “asbestos” comes from a Greek word meaning “inextinguishable.” Even centuries azo, people were awed by this mineral for which they found many uses. Asbestos has long been used as a building material, even as far back as during the Holy Roman Empire. It ‘was also utilized to produce fabric that would be used in clothing and a variety of other textiles. Legend has it that an early Roman emperor used to marvel at the fact that he could throw his asbestos tablecloth into the fire after meals and it would emerge ciean and unscathed! Early Egyptians used cloths made of asbestos to wrap their dead, believing it would last for centuries to.come. However, despite its many uses, even the early civilizations surmised that asbestos was the cause of the pulmonary problems being exhibited by those who worked in the mines where asbestos Was extracted or those who spun and wove asbestos into fabric. In particular, Roman philosopher and naturalist Pliny the Elder noted that slaves who mined asbestos suffered from a sickness of the lungs and died at an early age . As the centuries waned, however, asbestos use continued, and when the Industrial Revolution Fed unfolded, the material enjoyed all sorts of new uses in factories and plants throughout the U.S. 4 and abroad. Once again a “miracle mineral”, asbestos began being mined in earnest in the late \ 1800s and many industries gobbled it up quickly. sa Asbestos found use not only in factories, but also in oil and chemical refineries, on railroad cars, and in shipyards. Asbestos materials were used to insulate pipes and boilers in steam ocomotives, to line tanks and ovens in refineries, and could be found literally everywhere aboard the nation’s ships, from engine rooms to galleys. Tens of thousands of workers would Soon be exposed on a daily basis and many would tater begin to experience the same problems as {} those from centuries past who worked in the asbestos mines. i As the twentieth century progressed, more and more uses for asbestos were found. It the brakes and clutches of new-fangled automobiles, insulated America’s new skyfound much popularity in the construction industry, where it was used in items like FOO shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, siding, stucco, plaster, and much more. "By the midale ofthe 1900s, it was once again becoming apparent that asbestos was causing health problems, Those who were especially susceptible to developing asbestos-related diseases and disorders were individuals who were exposed to the mineral when it was enjoying abundant use = mostly from the 1940s through the 1970s, Navy veterans and shipyard employees were among those most likely to develop asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer but others who worked With asbestos regularly were certainly not exempt. Unfortunately, records have shown that many business owners who employed the use of asbestos in their facilities knew that the material was dangerous yet continued to allow its use. Eventually, stories of sick employees became commonplace, causing the American government to consider c of asbestos, They finally did this in the late 1970s, though never imposing laws about the u use in the United States officially “banned” asbest Some countties still mine asbestos ~ mostly the “white” chrysotile form ~ and itis still exported fiom these locations to other countries around the world. However, more than 40 countries have totally banned the use of asbestos, recognizing its toxicity. What is Asbestos? f six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, Asbestos has six primary sub- crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, Among asbestos are the most common. Although asbestos fibers are microscopic in nature, they are extremely durable and resistant to fire and most chemical reactions and breakdowns. These properties of asbestos were the reasons that Bpeported its use for many years in a number of different commercial and industrial combined with its resistance to heat, allowed it to become 'y of products, including, but not limited to, roofing shingles, ceiling materials, cement compounds, textile products, and tive is now strictly regulated as exposure to this toxic mineral can now be directly and s linked to a number of lung and respiratory health conditions, carcinogen. “The Rots of durabil that which makes asbestos hazardous, of. fc‘of people were exposed to asbestos in some capacity as a result ofthe tic, commercial, and industrial products. There is no safe type safe level of exposure. Nearly all those with exposure history are potentially these industries are potentially at risk of harmful exposure. Industries in whi particularly prevalent include shipbuilding, commercial product manufacturing, power ~ Plants, and construction. Workers employed in these industries prior to 1980 likely encountered __ asbestos products. t While asbestos exposure is hazardous, not all asbestos products are inherently hazardous. ‘Because asbestos must be inhaled to represent a health risk, only loose asbestos fibers or those in the air supply (a condition known as friable) represent a true hazard. Stable asbestos compounds, Such as intact cement, tiles, or other products are generally not an immediate hazard. Exposure to friable asbestos fibers was common when grinding, chipping, demolishing, or Tetrofitting asbestos products. Each of these functions could potentially release asbestos into the air supply where it would be easily inhaled What Health Conditions are Associated with Exposure to Asbestos ‘There are three major lung conditions traced directly to asbestos exposure. These are lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Lung cancer risk, typically associated with tobacco use, is Known to be exacerbated by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer of the lung and inner body’s cavity lining- a thin membrane known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is typically recognized as the most clearly attributable disease resulting from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma originates in three locations. Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease, Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma are less common and form in the lining of the abdominal cavity and lining of the heart, respectively. Asbestosis is a degenerative and progressive non-malignant long-term respiratory condition Asbestosis results from the formation of scar tissue plaques on the visceral surface of the pleura. Asbestosis can represent a pre-cursor to the onset of mesothelioma Types of Asbestos Asbestos was once mined in many places throughout the world; however, now it can be found predominately in Canada, Russia, Africa, and China, Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineralThis variety of asbestos has a layered structure and curly fibers. Chrysotile asbestos is the only type in this category and was the kind of asbestos most often used in 7 Gna the United Sates. + Amphibole — This kind of asbestos is characterized by a long chain-like structure of fibers that are sharp and straight and easy to inhale. This category is comprised of the remaining five types of asbestos: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, Amosite and crocidolite were widely used in products until the 1980s and amosite is recognized as the second most likely type to be found in buildings. These types of asbestos are often categorized by their color, although tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite remain unclassified. White ~ chrysotile Brown —amosite Blue ~crocidolite The commercial production of amosite, or “brown” asbestos, ended within the last decade and this type of asbestos is no longer mined. It was at one time, however, the second-most commonly "~~ used form of asbestos and, as a result, many individuals were exposed to it during its peak use. Amosite was employed as insulation in factories and buildings, as well as both an acoustical and anti-condensation material. Its use has been banned in most countries for approximately the last 30 years. Crocidolite Asbestos F Crocidolite asbestos accounted for about four percent of all asbestos once used in the United States. This “blue” asbestos is harder and more brittle than other types of the mineral and can f break easily, releasing dangerous needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. Crocidolite, without a doubt, is the most lethal form of asbestos. It was often used in making yarns and rope lagging, and as a reinforcement material for plastics. Crocidolite was generally mined in Western Australia, Bolivia, and South Africa. The percentage of miners who developed asbestos cancer due to crocidolite exposure stands at a staggering 18 percent. The town of Wittenoom, Australia (population 20,000), where blue asbestos was mined for many years, had more than 1,000 people die of mesothelioma with officials estimating that another 1,000 will eventually perish from asbestos-related diseases, The town is now a ghost town, with only eight residents remaining, and has literally been erased from the map.Peer 3 f ‘of asbestos and the only kind that is still mined, chrysotile was the most ’s developed countries. Estimates show that about 90-95 percent of all ins in buildings in the U.S. and Canada is of this variety. Obviously, because it used, it accounts for the most health problems, though the companies that attest to its safety. Chrysotile is most often used in fireproofing and in insulation products and was widely used aboard U.S. Navy ships during World War II and the Korean War. It can also be woven into cloth and was once used in theater curtains and — ironically — to make protective clothing for those who worked with high temperature equipment or liquids. It was also an ingredient in ‘cement and was helpful in the manufacture of friction products because of its heat-resistant properties. These included brake shoes, clutches, and disk pads. Its most recent uses were in the nuclear energy industry. Today, the Canadian Chrysotile Institute maintains that the asbestos they mine is much safer these days and claims that they only market dense and non-friable products in which the chrysotile fiber is “encapsulated in a matrix of either cement or resin.” Previously, the chrysotile that was sold in the marketplace crumbled easily and was quite toxic. Nonetheless, most experts maintain that ALL asbestos can cause cancer, even chrysotile, and ‘even when exposure is minimal. This has been demonstrated by the fact that those who live near chrysotile mines have a much higher incidence of mesothelioma than the general public. SN anthophyllite Ast Anthophyllite asbestos, also known as “brown” asbestos is composed predominantly of iron and ‘magnesium. The fibers are known to be long and flexible. Of the amphibole asbestos sub- classification, brown asbestos can be found in many tale mines and has been associated different respiratory disorders, though is not conclusively associated with mesothelioma as other varieties of asbestos are. Tremolite Asbestos As an amphibole variety of asbestos fiber, tremolite asbestos is indeed associated with the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancer. Like other varieties of asbestos, tremolite asbestos is composed predominantly of magnesium and can range from off-white to a dark green in color. Tremolite asbestos is particularly common in vermiculite and vermiculite deposits. Actinolite Asbestos Actinolite asbestos is a variety of the sub-classification of amphibole asbestos and, as such, its makeup and consistency is similar to other forms of this subset. Made predominantly of.Asbestos Alternatives Throughout most of the twentieth century, asbestos could be found in many of the insulation uildings throughout the country. Contractors lauded s durability and fi ire and heat resistance. Asbestos products, like W.R. Grace’s Zonolite insulation, were used in milli Today, the dangers associated with a to asbestos produ an office buildi sbestos are well known and there are numerous alternatives ts currently on the market. Therefore, when remodeling a home or renovating ing, there are many options to be considered, Many of these alternative products Be rain: Providing a safe altemative for the environment as well as for the individvale inside the building. Most are readily available and can be provided by » contractor, Polyurethane Foams Spray polyurethane foams can be used in any type of structure and these products are extremely fate in that they emit no harmful gases. eynene, a water-based spray, is cise an excellent choice for homes whose inhabitants have problems with allergies as it forme: a very tight seal allowing little space for dust and/or mold. Manufacturers of these altemative Products claim that their use Tedhees energy costs by about 30-35 percent annually. The only drawback is thay they must be installed by a certified professional, which results in a slightly higher installation cost. When choosing a polyurethane foam, however, be sure to choose one which doce nay contain uated depheny! ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs have been known to be Toxistothe ctveloping brains of animals and could potentially cause nervous system problems in humans. ‘There are plenty of non-PBDE alternatives on the market. Flour Fillers ‘Some companies sell crack and crevice fillers and extenders mad insulation. These might include pecan shell flour, rice hull ash, ri Because these are totally natural, they are indeed a great " those who are exposed to them. However, not all contract Some shopping around to find one le of natural materials that aid in ice flour, and wheat flour. green” option, presenting no hazards to ‘ors offer this option so it might take Cellulose Fiber One of the most popular alternatives to asbestos, cellulose insulation is made from finely shredded newsprint. Chemically treated to inereace fire resistance and reduce mold, cellulose fiber is generally made of 85 percent Jen cf0d content, making it another viable green option. It 's good for use in commercial or residential buildings. As a matter of fact, US GreenFiber, a‘magnesium, actinolite asbestos is extremely rare and ranges in color from white to dark brown. ‘Actinolite was not known to be used in asbestos prod 3 because of its rarity, but is known to be found in metamorphic rock. ] Asbestos Facts and Stats Although the use of asbestos in the United States was essentially halted in the late 1970s, with just a few exceptions, this toxic mineral has continued to have a real impact on the country during the last 30 years. The lives of many individuals have been adversely affected by previous asbestos exposure and this mineral can still be found throughout the country, particularly in old homes, factories, and commercial buildings. This continued presence of asbestos means that it is likely that more individuals will be impacted by the mineral in the years to come. The U.S. Office of Compliance, charged with “advancing safety, health, and workplace rights”, as well as several other organizations concerned with asbestos and the dangers of exposure, report the following with regards to asbestos: + Asbestos has been declared a “known human carcinogen,” having been commonly associated with asbestos cancer. + The peak of asbestos use occurred from the late 1930s through the end of the 1970s. * Though anyone who was exposed to asbestos can develop asbestos-related diseases, US Navy veterans who served during World War Il and the Korean Conflict have the highest incidence of these diseases. + Some 30 million pounds of asbestos are still used each year in the United States. * The number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States is asbestos, even more than 30 years after its use was essentially halted. Asbestos accounts for 54 percent of all occupational cancers, according to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization + Since asbestos guidelines were issued in 1979, approximately 45,000 Americans have . died of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. + 10,000 Americans will die this year of asbestos-related diseases (including lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer) and 200,000 are currently living with asbestosis. + Asbestos is still mined in several countries throughout the world, including Canada, and is exported to many industrialized and developing countries. + No amount of asbestos exposure is safe; however, the longer and more intense the exposure, the more likely an individual is to develop mesothelioma cancer or another asbestos disease. + Exposure to asbestos can also increase the likelihood of other types of lung cancer. Smoking also exacerbates asbestos-related diseases. + Asbestos can still be found in myriad homes, schools, and commercial or industrial buildings + Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 consumer products, including common household items such as toasters and hair dryers, some of which may still be in use.ae ae ee / ae ‘that manufactures cellulose insulation and other natural products, notes that about JS of all new green buildings constructed in the U.S. ch xe this altemative, Records show energy costs by about 20 percent annually) | * i \ ‘ Thermoset Plastic Flour | ‘ : ‘Thermoset plastics can be filled with wood flour and other low-priced fillers to reduce cost and provide a balance of good insulation and strength. The building and construction indstry is one of the largest users of plastics in the world and have galled upon products such as this for heat, cold, and sound insulation for both energy saving noise reduction purposes. | Amorphous Silica Fabrics | ve i These fabrics are high temperature materials used for a wide range of insulation and protection ¥ applications in industries such as aerospace, shipyards, molten metal and electric power t generation, Generally not used for residential applications, the fabrics do contain fiberglass ‘ ‘which has come into question as a health hazard. However, in many industries these produdts | have indeed replaced similar products that once contained asbestos. |side hung casement horizontally pivoted vertically sliding projected side hung, O top hung sash bottom hung sash vertically pivoted touvee y horizontally sliding. projected top hung Sliding folding, CASEMENT WINDOWS hinged pivoted sliding compositeWOOD JOINERY TYPES BUTT JOINT BOX JOINT DOVETAIL JOINTMORTISE AND TENON JOINT ‘ t DOWEL JOINT HALF LAP JOINTFRAME AND PANEL JOINT (MITRE JOINT REBATE AND DADO JOINT