Visit us anytime at https://www.asbestosclaims.law/. Clay Containing Asbestos Can Pose Health Hazards
Asbestos is a hazardous mineral fiber that forms naturally in rock and soil.
While it is now heavily regulated in the United States, between 2,500 and 3,000 people a year are still dying from mesothelioma.
Clay Can Be Contaminated By Asbestos
Clay is a combination of several rocks, minerals, and natural compounds.
Clay used for artwork is usually mixed with a mineral called talcum.
The issue surrounding talcum, also called talc, is that it is frequently found in close proximity to asbestos.
Health Dangers of Asbestos Exposure from Clay
Unfortunately, it isn’t just mesothelioma that asbestos in clay is linked to.
The deadly fiber has been associated with ovarian cancer, pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and asbestosis, which is a long-term and severe lung disease.
The History of Asbestos in Clay
Asbestos in clay dates back to over 750,000 years ago.
Artifacts indicate people of Finland in 250,000 B.C. embedded asbestos into their clay pots and vessels to strengthen them and make them flame resistant.
Stone Age ceramic pots and vessels made with asbestos fibers
This style of pottery became known as asbestos ceramics.
Remnants of these asbestos-tempered ceramics were found later in Scandinavia, indicating distribution from Finland.
Regions That Still Use Asbestos Today
While the popular belief is that asbestos is banned in the United States today, the truth is that it is still legal, but heavily regulated.
The mineral can also still be found in products in Russia and in parts of Asia.
Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Syria, and Zimbabwe all declined proposed country-wide bans on asbestos.
For artists looking for sources of clay, it is best to avoid purchasing from these regions due to possible contamination.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure from Clay
Most people already know the link between mesothelioma and asbestos.
But the list of health risks associated with asbestos exposure is much longer than one may think.
Asbestos-Related Illnesses from Asbestos-Contaminated Clay
The following are the possible asbestos-related diseases caused by asbestos in clay:
Lung cancer, ovarian cancer, Laryngeal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, hyaline pleural plaques, asbestosis, pleural thickening, pleural effusion, and atelectasis.
What to Do with Clay That May be Contaminated with Asbestos?
Anyone who believes the clay they have may be contaminated with talcum, or if it was made sometime before the last ten years, it can be sent in for asbestos testing.
Lab results will reveal whether asbestos is detected.
The bottom line is – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
http://www.AsbestosClaims.law is your comprehensive resource for all things asbestos. We hope this information helps you.
