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Mineral fiber is carcinogenic. Get to know the controversies regarding the subject

If you have an asbestos tile that is already worn out and you want to know how to dispose of it correctly, keep in mind that the material is very controversial and dangerous.

Story

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has impressive properties: resistance to high temperatures, good insulating quality, flexibility, durability, incombustibility, resistance to acid attack, among others. In addition, the two types of material - coils (white asbestos) and amphibole (brown, blue and other asbestos) - are low-cost raw materials, which led asbestos to be considered the "magic mineral", expanding its use throughout the 20th century.

Problems

Over time, the “magic mineral” turned into “killer dust”. The constant illnesses caused by workers in the asbestos industry, construction workers, miners and mechanics who deal with brakes were studied and the material's dangerousness was proven. The problem arises from inhaling asbestos. The fibers in the powder stimulate cell mutations that give rise to tumors - these can cause lung cancer, especially mesothelioma. Asbestos particles, when inhaled, are never released from the body. Lung cancer can appear in a person 30 years after they have inhaled asbestos dust (asbestos is also known), making it difficult for doctors to diagnose them accurately.

Consumer

Although health problems are more common in the industry, it is also necessary to be careful with roof tiles and water tanks. According to the manager of the State Asbestos Program of the Ministry of Labor in São Paulo, Fernanda Giannasi, there is a risk of a person developing complications such as cancer, if they have objects made with asbestos at home. “There is a risk. The product (water tank or tile) has a thin outer layer of cement, but with time wear occurs and it releases the fibers into the environment. In the installation phase of a tile, for example, it is common for the tile to be perforated. Dust that is released is highly contaminating. Many people also use a broom or other abrasive materials that end up wearing down the products even more and releasing the dust”, he explains.

Other side

The industry rejects criticism and says that both in factories and at home, asbestos is safe. For the home example, when installing water tanks and asbestos tiles, it is possible that, with the drilling of screws, dust is released into the environment. The same can happen with wear and tear or lack of maintenance.

For the Instituto Brasileiro de Chrysotile, there is no risk of contracting tumors or other health complications with the possible aspiration of particles. According to asbestos advocates, the Technological Research Institute (IPT), in São Paulo, carried out a survey showing that chrysotile asbestos fibers do not detach from the main raw material that makes up fiber cement (cement). Therefore, even under severe wear conditions, the fibers would not come loose.

Unsolved disposal

The recommendation is that asbestos be disposed of together with toxic waste, in specialized landfills. Asbestos is a hazardous material and cannot be reused or recycled. Even though an asbestos tile has a durability of approximately 70 years, this time is minimal if we think about the long term. The environment must not suffer the consequences of irresponsible use that has been going on for 70 years and still poses permanent risks to humans and animals. Manufacturers contacted by eCycle portal they did not know how to specify a correct way to dispose of tiles and water tanks.

With all the above findings, eCycle recommends choosing tiles and water tanks that do not use asbestos. There are alternatives that use materials from burning fossil fuels, but even so, they are recyclable (in the case of plastics). Not to mention that the oil spent on these items can be saved with fuels such as alcohol, in the daily transportation of vehicles, for example.

To dispose of your products with asbestos, look for the gas stations here or contact your city hall to make the correct destination.