On Wed, 30 May 2001 christian147@juno.com wrote:
:>But
:>its far, far from a 100% certainty that exposure will lead to cancer.
:>That's why it took so long to associate asbestos with the peculiar form
:of
:>cancer it causes.
:
:Mesaspeloma (sp?) is the cancer traced to asbestos. Far more common is
:Asbestosis, an emphysema like condition, just as deadly.
Mesothelioma. It's essentially unknown without exposure to asbestos. It's
also got a very long onset of symptoms, on the order of between 20 and 40
years from exposure.
Lung cancer is also linked to asbestos. Interestingly, lung cancer rates are
close to normal among non-smokers. Among smokers, they're quite elevated.
:
:>Wearing a simple particle mask is more that adequate protection from
:asbestos dust.
:
:Just not true and you should know better. All masks are not created
:equal. The mask must be an effective filter of the fiber size in
:question, as not all fiber sizes cause the conditions. The mask must
:also have an effective seal on the face. I don't know of a single strap
:mask that can do that. Any facial hair in the seal area will negate the
:best masks.
The fibre size involved is also quite small. If you're working with the
stuff, get a proper mask. A paper dust mask is not suitable.
:
:> Best to wear a particle mask
:>and thoroughly clean brake areas with approved cleaner when working on
:your
:>brakes.
:
:The current OSHA approved method is to spray the brakes from at least 18"
:with an aerosol can of cleaner until the dust is wet then you can clean
:at close range.
Isn't the materiel supposed to be disposed of safely? If you just scrape it
off onto the shop floor, you'll get fibres in the air when the waste dries.
Brake and clutch linings are still made with asbestos.
:
:> Even if you snorted the stuff, you probably
:>wouldn't get lung cancer.
:
:How about asbestosis?
:
One exposure is probably not excessively dangerous. I'm not going to take
you up on the offer, though. Asbestos is nasty stuff. Some of the
replacements are just as bad.
-- dscheidt@tumbolia.com Bipedalism is only a fad.
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