Killer dust: why is asbestos still killing people?
                     
Olive Learning 



 
 

  

Olive Learning 
 

Killer dust: why is asbestos 
still killing people? 

 
 


   

+44 20 3579 7542  asbestosawareness.training 

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral substance that can be pulled into a 

feathery texture. Asbestos contains very minute fibers which extremely small.  

Asbestos is more dangerous when it is friable and easy to release to the air. 

The presence of fibers it can be easily crumbled by human hand and can 

release into the air. Also, the substance sprayed on asbestos insulation is 

highly friable.  

 

Types of Asbestos Causing Pleural Mesothelioma: 

 

• Serpentine asbestos 

• Amphibole asbestos 

 

The special features of asbestos which make asbestos a common construction 

material of everyday products, from building materials to fireproof protective 

gear. It is highly resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. Because 

of these properties once asbestos called as the "miracle mineral". Asbestos is 

made up of six minerals, are six types of asbestos minerals have common and 

similar characteristics. All forms of the asbestos mineral 

are odorless and tasteless. The presence of asbestos in a 

material or product cannot be detected by a visual 

examination and must be tested in a laboratory for the 

proper identification. All these properties often make it 

difficult to determine specific risks of asbestos exposure. However, any 

exposure to these asbestos fibers can cause asbestos-related diseases. 


   

+44 20 3579 7542  asbestosawareness.training 

Asbestos fibers are so light and also because of their shape they can float in 

the air for long periods of time. These asbestos fibers can stay in the air about 

48 – 72 hours, but in a room with air currents, these fibers may stay in the air 

much longer. If these fibers are present in the air they can be inhaled easily. 

 

Asbestos is dangerous only when it is releasing dust or fibers into the air. The 

exposed fibers in the air can be easily inhaled by the human through breathing 

and can cause many breathing diseases. These fibers will become trapped in 

the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be 

removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs, or, if swallowed, into the 

digestive tract cannot be easily removable. Once they are embedded in the 

body, these fibers can cause many serious health problems. 

 

There are three primary diseases associated with asbestos exposure: 

 

• Asbestosis 

• Lung Cancer 

• Mesothelioma 

It is important for individuals or those who work with asbestos continuously 

to know their risks behind it, especially if they have a past history of asbestos 

exposure. People who have had exposure should learn how to protect 

themselves through medical checkups.