Asbestos

  • IASbaba
  • February 10, 2023
  • 0
Science and Technology
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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)

  1. Low-density polyethylene
  2. Polycarbonate
  3. Polyethylene terephthalate
  4. 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)

  1. Food preservatives
  2. Fruit ripening substances
  3. reused plastic containers
  4. Toiletries

 

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