Answer:
Asbestos is a type of building material used primarily in insulation until the 1970s.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials for its unique properties:
Insulation: Its fibers effectively trapped heat, making it ideal for keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
Fire resistance: Asbestos was highly resistant to fire, providing valuable safety benefits in construction.
Durability: The mineral's strong fibers reinforced materials, enhancing their longevity and resilience.
However, the convenience of asbestos came with a hidden danger:
Health hazards: Microscopic asbestos fibers, when released into the air and inhaled, could lodge in the lungs and stomach. Repeated exposure over time could lead to serious health problems, including:
Asbestosis: This lung disease causes scarring and difficulty breathing.
Lung cancer: Asbestos is a known carcinogen, significantly increasing the risk of this deadly cancer.
Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
By the 1970s, the dangers of asbestos became increasingly evident. Research linked its use to numerous cases of cancer and lung disease, leading to widespread bans on its production and application.
Therefore, while asbestos offered valuable benefits in construction, its hidden health risks ultimately outweighed them.
Nowadays, safer alternative materials are used, and asbestos removal from older buildings is often recommended to protect residents from potential exposure.
Thus, Warm, fireproof, deadly: Insulation wonder turned cancer risk - asbestos.
Question:
A type of building material used primarily in insulation until the 1970s. With repeated exposure, it can cause lung and stomach cancers.
what is the material used?