Science and Technology
Context: Recently Brazil sinks age old aircraft carrier carrying asbestos, other toxins.
About Asbestos:
- It is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral.
- Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers.
- It consists of flexible fibers resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion.
- Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly fire-resistant, so for much of the 20th century it was very commonly used across the world as a building material.
- Construction materials contained asbestos because it is an effective insulator.
- Asbestos in cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials makes them stronger.
- Asbestos mainly comes from Russia, Kazakhstan and China.
- The toxic mineral was once mined throughout North America.
- Asbestos has been used on ships as both a fire retardant and an insulator to protect sailors from the constant and jarring vibrations of ships’ engines.
Health Effects
- It is known to be a highly toxic material and a carcinogen.
- Inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers can become trapped in the respiratory or digestive systems of the body, accumulating over time.
- Repeated exposure can cause inflammation and damage the DNA.
- The following illnesses have been associated with asbestos exposure: lung cancer, COPD, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? (2021)
- Low-density polyethylene
- Polycarbonate
- Polyethylene terephthalate
- Polyvinyl Chloride
Q.2) “Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (2021)
- Food preservatives
- Fruit ripening substances
- reused plastic containers
- Toiletries
