23 Feb
2010
23 Feb
'10
1:12 p.m.
On 23 Feb 2010 at 6:53, dwight elvey wrote:
While I don't deny that asbestos can be a health
problem, I think that
they have gone overboard in not understanding in what forms it is
dangerous to be around.
I know of two counter examples:
1. When they used to use asbestos in brake linings for cars, people
that did brake repair showed no increase in asbestos caused deseases.
2. In California, there is a county, El Dorado I beleave, that has many
exposed vains of natural asbestos and large amounts of asbestos
dust in the soils. It also has little increase in asbestos related illness.
I once saw a study that posited that the fiber size of the material
had a strong influence on the causation of asbestosis and
mesothelioma. In particular, imported asbestos seemed to have a
higher rate of health issues.
A friend grew up in Libby, Montana (vermiculite mining by W.R. Grace)
and several members of her family suffer from asbestosis.
So the danger is real.
But the stuff was everywhere in the steel mills and I'm not aware of
anyone in my own family (including me) who worked in the mills who
contracted asbestosis.
--Chuck