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The toxicity of asbestos revealed: Why is this natural mineral called the "King of Carcinogens"?
Asbestos, a natural mineral of this group, was widely used for its special physical properties until its hazards to human health gradually became apparent. Although the historical use of asbestos can be traced back thousands of years, today's in-depth understanding of its toxicity has caused us to re-examine this substance, which is known as the "King of Carcinogens."
Basic knowledge and history of asbestos
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that include six types, the most common of which is white asbestos. Due to its excellent thermal insulation and fire resistance properties, it was commonly used in building materials and consumer products during the 20th century. In the 1970s, as concerns about its health hazards increased, many countries began to ban the use of asbestos. However, to this day, there are still many old buildings containing asbestos.
Health risks of asbestos
Inhalation of asbestos fibers has been directly linked to a variety of health-threatening lung diseases, the most serious of which include mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Studies have shown that the incubation period for these diseases can often be up to 20 years, meaning many people do not experience symptoms for many years, increasing the risk of asbestos.
"Asbestos-related diseases kill an estimated 255,000 people each year."
Uses of asbestos
Even after learning about the toxicity of asbestos, some countries continued to use the substance. Especially in some developing countries, asbestos is still considered an affordable building material. According to reports, Russia's asbestos production in 2020 reached 790,000 tons, which shows its presence in the global market.
Legal regulations on asbestos
With the gradual recognition of the dangers of asbestos, many countries have completely banned its use or imposed strict regulations on it. However, in countries such as the United States, the use of asbestos is still legal in some areas, which has caused considerable controversy.
Social and cultural influences
Asbestos was known as an "inextinguishable" material in ancient times, but there is a terrible truth hidden behind it. From ancient uses to modern health problems, the history of asbestos reflects mankind's pursuit of technology and safety, and has also had a profound impact on society.
“The ancient Greek word ‘asbestos’ means ‘inextinguishable’.”
The challenge of finding alternatives
As the understanding of the dangers of asbestos deepens, countries are also actively looking for alternative materials. However, many alternatives struggle to compare in performance to natural asbestos. In addition, the industry's acceptance of alternatives is uneven, so there are still many challenges in promoting alternatives.
Future Outlook
Research on asbestos has not stopped, and the scientific community is still exploring its potential uses, such as in carbon capture technology. However, behind this kind of research, there is still a need to be alert to the health risks of asbestos to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
As a natural resource with a long history, the use of asbestos and its impact on the environment are still the focus of today's society, which has brought about profound reflections on future material use and public health. This makes us wonder, should we be more cautious in the selection of materials that are closely related to our lives in the pursuit of economic benefits and technological progress?
