What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occuring mineral mined across the world including Russia and Canada.

Asbestos has many great properties, which is why it has been used extensively in the past. It does not conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into shapes when combined with other materials such as cement and resins.

It is very dangerous however and can cause a range of serious and often fatal lung diseases. Around 5000 people a year die as a result of asbestos related illness. (HSE).

In the UK the use of asbsesos was banned in 1999 so buildings built before 2000 may contain asbestos.

Some diseases cause by asbestos are - 

Mesothelioma; A type of cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and the lower digestive tract. Asbestos is known to be the most common cause and in most cases it is fatal.

Asbestos relatied lung cancer: The same as caused by smoking and other causes.

Asbestosis: The lungs become sacarred from exposure to asbestor over many years. It causes shortness of breath and can be fatal.

Pleral thickening: The lining of the lung becomes thicker and swollen. This causes shortness of breath and chest discomfort.

People who are exposed to asbestos and also smoke are more likely to developing lung cancer than those who don't smoke