Asbestos cancer otherwise known as Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by a fiberous mineral of impure magnesium silicate. It is has been typically used for fireproofing, electrical insulations and other building materials as well as chemical filters. The Asbestos cancer is caused by inhaling these fibers which get lodged in the lining of the lungs causing the growth of scar tissue and eventually cancer. Asbestos doesn’t dissolve or ever leave the body.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is not man made which a lot of people have this misconception of it. It has been used over the last 50 years or so to insulate and protect because it is heat resistant and the fibers can be woven and spun together for use in electrical and other insulations. It has low electrical conductivity, and it is very flexible and is actually quite strong.

Many countries have outlawed the mining of asbestos due to its cancer causing properties. People who have been exposed to lethal amounts of asbestos will develop lung cancer from it. The likelihood is that we have all been exposed to asbestos at some point in our lives. However, we are not as at risk for developing lung cancer as others who have had an over abundance of exposure such as the asbestos miners, electricians, as well as roofers.

There is an estimated 3000 products that have asbestos in it. As long as the mineral is intact there is no harm however should any of these products become damaged, the asbestos then becomes airborne and this is what causes the great concern. There are millions of buildings around the world that contain asbestos, that is why when a building is being demolished arrangements must be made to have the building disposed of in a designated asbestos landfill.