A Quiz On The History And Dangers Of Asbestos

1. Smoking combined with previous exposure to asbestos is particularly hazardous.

True

False

Smoking combined with previous exposure to asbestos is particularly hazardous because both smoking and asbestos exposure individually increase the risk of developing lung cancer. When these two factors are combined, the risk becomes even higher. Smoking damages the lungs and weakens the body's defense mechanisms, making it more susceptible to the harmful effects of asbestos fibers. Asbestos, on the other hand, can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which can increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Therefore, the combination of smoking and previous asbestos exposure poses a significant health risk.

Explanation

Smoking combined with previous exposure to asbestos is particularly hazardous because both smoking and asbestos exposure individually increase the risk of developing lung cancer. When these two factors are combined, the risk becomes even higher. Smoking damages the lungs and weakens the body's defense mechanisms, making it more susceptible to the harmful effects of asbestos fibers. Asbestos, on the other hand, can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which can increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Therefore, the combination of smoking and previous asbestos exposure poses a significant health risk.

2. A long term health effect of asbestos exposure may include...

Skin cancer

Lung cancer or mesothelioma

Heart failure

Central nervous system complications

Long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to the formation of cancerous cells over time. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, is specifically associated with asbestos exposure. These health effects occur due to the carcinogenic nature of asbestos, highlighting the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to this hazardous material.

Explanation

Long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to the formation of cancerous cells over time. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, is specifically associated with asbestos exposure. These health effects occur due to the carcinogenic nature of asbestos, highlighting the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to this hazardous material.

3. Why was asbestos used?

It easily conducts electricity.

Its insulation capabilities and it is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals.

It gives surfaces a glossy and appealing characteristic.

There was no advantage, it was just expensive to remove it from construction materials.

Asbestos was used because of its insulation capabilities and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties made it an ideal material for construction and insulation purposes, as it provided protection against heat and fire hazards. Additionally, its resistance to chemicals made it suitable for use in industries where exposure to corrosive substances was common. The use of asbestos was not solely due to its cost, but rather its advantageous qualities that made it a desirable material for various applications.

Explanation

Asbestos was used because of its insulation capabilities and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties made it an ideal material for construction and insulation purposes, as it provided protection against heat and fire hazards. Additionally, its resistance to chemicals made it suitable for use in industries where exposure to corrosive substances was common. The use of asbestos was not solely due to its cost, but rather its advantageous qualities that made it a desirable material for various applications.

4. What is asbestos?

A naturally occurring group of mineral fibers.

An organic compound derived from the root of an Asbestos plant.

A natural element appearing in the second period of the Periodic Table.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of mineral fibers. It is not an organic compound derived from a plant or a natural element on the Periodic Table. Asbestos has been widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its heat resistance and durability. However, it is now known to be highly toxic and a major health hazard, causing serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Explanation

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of mineral fibers. It is not an organic compound derived from a plant or a natural element on the Periodic Table. Asbestos has been widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its heat resistance and durability. However, it is now known to be highly toxic and a major health hazard, causing serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

5. Where can asbestos be found in homes?

Attic and wall insulation

Roofing and siding shingles

Vinyl floor tiles

All of the above

Other locations may include around hot water pipes, around oil and coal furnaces, and in textured paint used on walls.

Explanation

Other locations may include around hot water pipes, around oil and coal furnaces, and in textured paint used on walls.

6. The symptoms of asbestos exposure typically occur within a month of exposure.

True

False

Symptoms typically take many years to develop following exposure.

Explanation

Symptoms typically take many years to develop following exposure.

7. If asbestos is detected, how should it be removed or repaired safely?

With the use of gloves and a mask.

By a trained asbestos inspector or contractor.

By a local home improvement service.

Asbestos should not be disturbed, and should remain dormant.

Homeowners should ensure that workers they hire to handle asbestos are trained and accredited.

Explanation

Homeowners should ensure that workers they hire to handle asbestos are trained and accredited.

8. Which of these compounds is asbestos?

A. Silicon
B. Sodium
C. Corn meal
D. Asbestos

Explanation

A. Silicon
B. Sodium
C. Corn meal
D. Asbestos

9. For asbestos used for construction use, in what situations increase the risk of unnatural exposure?

While cleaning.

While painting.

During demolition.

At all times when near the materials containing asbestos.

During demolition, there is a higher risk of unnatural exposure to asbestos used for construction. This is because during the demolition process, asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can then be inhaled, increasing the risk of health issues such as lung diseases. It is important to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines during demolition to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos.

Explanation

During demolition, there is a higher risk of unnatural exposure to asbestos used for construction. This is because during the demolition process, asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can then be inhaled, increasing the risk of health issues such as lung diseases. It is important to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines during demolition to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos.

10. In 1989, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned all new and existing uses of asbestos.

True

False

Uses of asbestos developed before 1989 are still allowed. Materials that use asbestos today undergo strict testing and have to be deemed environmentally safe.

Explanation

Uses of asbestos developed before 1989 are still allowed. Materials that use asbestos today undergo strict testing and have to be deemed environmentally safe.