Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) has recently been deemed a dangerous pollutant, according to a study published in an October 2008 issue of Chemical Science and conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
According to researchers from the organization, naturally occurring asbestos is the name that describes “the silicate minerals serpentine and amphibole” that can form extremely thin crystals in patterns similar to that of cotton or silk, with extreme parallel alignment and, when crushed or broken, can cause asbestosis among individuals who inhale the particles.
What is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis occurs when the lungs have been exposed to asbestos fibers and the lungs react by becoming chronically inflamed as cancerous cells begin to form on the protective lining of the body’s internal organs, especially within the lungs. Signs and symptoms of asbestosis can be difficult to spot and are often misdiagnosed for other similar conditions, which is why it is important for an individual who may have been exposed to naturally occurring asbestos to seek medical attention immediately. Signs and symptoms of asbestosis include the following, according to the Mayo Clinic:
* coughing
* chest pain
* finger clubbing in some cases, which is swelling of tissues beneath the fingernail
* decreased tolerance for physical activity
* shortness of breath, both during periods of exertion and periods of rest
Unfortunately asbestosis symptoms do not become apparent for up to 20 to 30 years after initial exposure, which can often be too late for many victims to find adequate assistance in reversing the scarring and damage done within the lungs from asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Risks and Dangers
Naturally occurring asbestos may not pose a threat to all individuals who come in contact with it, according to the Chemical Science article, which explained that the “nature of the soil and local climate” also play an important role in exposure. Erosion of asbestos and these activities include:
* mining
* quarrying
* excavation for construction
* farming
* landscaping
* gardening
The researchers suggest that once NOA is discovered, a risk assessment of exposure to a community must be determined, in which case the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will likely need to be alerted, as they are the regulatory body responsible for removal and regulation of asbestos materials.
However, it is important for those who have worked with or been exposed to asbestos to understand the following risks, which may increase the severity of an asbestos case or put others at risk:
exposure times will have an effect on asbestosis or mesothelioma development, although individuals with minimum exposure have the same asbestos risks
* symptoms of asbestos are often delayed, which is why initial exposure should not be overlooked
* family members are also at risk if clothing, shoes covered is asbestos are brought into the house for others to inhale, which is known as paraoccupational exposure
* employees who have worked with shipbuilding, mining, milling, construction, brake repair, demolition, drywall and firefighters may all be at risk for potential exposure to asbestos and should consult a medical professional as a safety precaution
Finding Mesothelioma Help
Once an individual becomes diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, they can quickly become overwhelmed with what to do and how to seek the appropriate medical and legal counsel to better their situation as soon as possible. It is important that an individual become educated on their condition and to speak openly with a knowledgeable medical professional about any and all treatments, including those treatments being tested as part of mesothelioma clinical trials, as any new type of treatment may be successful in postponing the unfortunate “incurable” condition.
It may also be necessary for a mesothelioma patient to contact a mesothelioma attorney.
Creating a mesothelioma lawsuit can earn monetary compensation to pay for costly bills associated with mesothelioma cancer.

Many people do not realize how dependant we are on the environment for our overall health and well being. Realizing this dependence has lead to a greater number of people who endeavor to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle. You can make a small number of changes to your everyday habits that will save you money and will be better for the environment. You can also decrease the amount of indoor air pollution in your home, improving your health.

Even if you maintain your house diligently, there will still be pollutants inside your home. The most general kinds of pollutants are microbial contaminants, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and asbestos fibers. Homeowners do not have to simply accept indoor air pollution. Instead, you can make your home’s levels of pollutants much lower through a few simple steps.

The types of contaminants known as microbial contaminants are made up of mold and bacteria. Adjusting your cleaning strategies can reduce the amount of bacteria in your home. The best way to combat mold is to be conscious of the possibility of mold, and to be conscientious in trying to prevent growth. If you keep your home’s humidity level at fifty percent, you can reduce the amount of mold that is able to grow in your home. Also, make sure your home is well ventilated. A home with stagnant air will allow an assortment of microbial contaminants to thrive. Another way to make sure mold is reduced as much as possible is to eliminate all types of water leaks from your home. Without a damp, humid place to grow, mold cannot flourish.

Chemicals such as carbon monoxide can be reduced within the interior of your home as well. Many pollutants can be minimized by utilizing “green” cleaning products instead of the traditional chemically based ones. Natural products can cleanse just as well if not even better than chemical products, and there is no chemical remains left in your home to pollute the air. Refraining from smoking indoors will also help to dramatically reduce carbon monoxide levels as well as making sure that your central heating system is functioning efficiently. Many space heaters also cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home. If it is necessary to use a space heater, make certain that it is an electric one that is functioning properly and does not have any faulty wiring.

Carbon dioxide commonly makes an entrance into your home through the garage door from your automobile exhaust. Make sure that the seal around your garage door is tight. You may even consider minimizing the amount of time that your vehicle is left to run inside the garage as well without appropriate ventilation.

Older homes need to be checked for asbestos fibers. If you own a home that was constructed before 1979, you need to have it professionally checked for this hazard that has been banned for use in buildings. Asbestos fibers are found most commonly in flooring materials and in paint. If you home is identified for asbestos, then you need to have a professional remover come to your home and take the materials out. Keep in mind that removing asbestos is risky, so it is not a duty to take on by yourself. Asbestos fibers can cause cancer, so it is important to have your home checked. Improving air quality in your home will make you healthier and it will create a more environmentally friendly home.

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