Many countries have stopped using asbestos for new products. But it's still in roofs, walls and floors of older buildings.Explain why you think that the risk this asbestos poses to human health is considered acceptable, so long as it's left undisturbed.
Question
Many countries have stopped using asbestos for new products. But it's still in roofs, walls and floors of older buildings.Explain why you think that the risk this asbestos poses to human health is considered acceptable, so long as it's left undisturbed.
Solution
Asbestos, when left undisturbed, is generally not a significant health risk. This is because the health risks associated with asbestos come from inhaling its dust. When asbestos-containing materials are left undisturbed, they do not release this dust into the air, and thus, do not pose a risk of inhalation.
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Asbestos is a mineral that breaks down into tiny fibers. These fibers are so small that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
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Once in the lungs, these fibers can cause health problems. They can damage lung tissue and can lead to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
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However, these health risks are only a concern if the asbestos fibers are released into the air. This typically happens when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. For example, during a renovation or demolition of an old building.
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If asbestos-containing materials are left undisturbed, they do not release fibers into the air. Therefore, they do not pose a risk of inhalation and the associated health problems.
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For this reason, many experts believe that it is often safer to leave undisturbed asbestos-containing materials in place, rather than removing them. Removal can cause the asbestos fibers to become airborne, increasing the risk of inhalation.
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However, it's important to regularly check the condition of these materials. If they start to deteriorate or become damaged, they may start to release asbestos fibers into the air, and at that point, they should be removed by professionals.
In conclusion, while asbestos does pose a significant health risk when disturbed, if it is left undisturbed and in good condition, the risk it poses is generally considered acceptable.
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