Homeschool Zoo Annex

Asbestos dangers

I can remember as a child in the local parochial school (back in the late fifties and early sixties), that the ceilings and insulation of our small school were full of asbestos. It was a game to the taller, high school students to reach up and put finger, fist, or hand prints in the soft material over their heads.

I also remember that ironing board covers, oven mitts, iron and skillet rests, and other materials were made with asbestos in them because of its flame-retardent and heat resistent nature. Little did any of us know that this seemingly inocuous material that was so beneficial to our lives would someday be blamed for the widespread mesothelioma cases we have today.

It's still a part of our brake pads and mechanics can breathe the tiny particles into their lungs if they don't wear face masks. Other occupations are also at high risk for exposure, as are the family members of exposed individuals as they bring the fibers home on their clothing.

Labels: Health

posted by hszoo @ 8:12 PM