asbestos

Many times the term asbestos is used as a synonym for asbestos. However, these concepts refer to different types of minerals. Therefore, to understand what asbestos is, it is worth remembering the definition of asbestos as well.

The Greek word asbestos (which can be translated as "without stain") passed into Latin as amiantus and then it came to our language like asbestos. It is an iron, alumina and lime silicate that is non-combustible and has off-white fibers and great flexibility.

As for asbestos, its etymological journey begins in the Greek asbestos and continues in latin asbestos before reaching Spanish. Asbestos is also a mineral and has characteristics similar to asbestos, although its fibers present rigidity and they are tough. This particularity of the fibers, therefore, differentiates asbestos from asbestos.

It is important to note that asbestos and asbestos are harmful to the Health. In ancient times, warnings about the health risk involved in handling these minerals were already registered. For this reason, asbestos is currently prohibited in several countries from Europe and its use was reduced.

Beyond warnings and prohibitions, asbestos is still used in various contexts thanks to its chemical, physical and mechanical properties. The material is also easy to obtain. It cannot be ignored, however, that inhaling asbestos can cause a disease known as asbestosis that can be complicated by generating a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Cancer.

It is important to note that there are several factor that can affect the risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease, and their study is key so that health professionals know which way to go when treating a patient. The points to take into account are the following:

* dose: it is the volume of this mineral to which the person has been exposed;

* duration: how long has this exposure to asbestos been extended;

* personal factors: this group includes certain personal problems that may affect the risk, such as a lung disease that the patient had before contact with asbestos, or certain negative health habits, such as smoking;

* characteristics of the fibersBefore being able to estimate the risk of disease development as a result of asbestos exposure, it is very important to analyze the features of the source, and this includes the chemical composition of its fibers, their shape and size.

While all types of asbestos have dangers for our health, each of them is linked to different risks. For example, several scientific studies indicate that chrysotile asbestos is less dangerous than amphibole, especially if we focus on the risk of mesothelioma, since it can take longer to remove from the lungs.

With regard to smoking, mentioned in the previous list of risk factors, it is known that smokers have a higher risk of suffering from Cancer lung than others, and this results in their exposure to asbestos enhancing this probability. For smokers who cannot avoid contact with this material for work reasons, there is at least the possibility of considering quitting tobacco, as this would have a positive impact on risk.

Some of the symptom The most common types of inappropriate exposure to asbestos, and for which it is recommended to consult a doctor, are the following:

* abnormal weight loss;

* difficulty swallowing food;

* tightness or pain in the chest;

* hoarseness, wheezing, or shortness of breath;

* lack of strength to carry out daily tasks or to stay awake;

* coughing up phlegm and blood, which gets worse over time.