How Does Attic Urate Affect People?

A silicate mineral found among other minerals and used extensively in the construction industry is naturally occurring asbestos. Also known as Naturally Occurring Asbestos, it is usually not easily detected and is found in sediments, rocks and generally in soil. It was used successfully for fireproofing and insulating floors, walls and ceiling of buildings.

As the commercial use of it expanded, so did its use as a fireproofing and insulation material. Asbestosis, lung disease and mesothelioma are diseases caused by long-term exposure to silicate minerals and its derivatives. But even more dangerous is the fact that exposure to naturally occurring asbestos can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma. In fact, the most deadly form of this type of lung cancer is pleural mesothelioma.

This form of cancer usually affects people who were exposed to asbestos during their employment, while they were working with materials that contained asbestos. The materials they may have been exposed to include pipes made of asbestos, ceiling tiles and wall coverings made of asbestos. Since asbestos fibers are coated with a thin layer of silica, there is a great risk that the fibers can escape into the air when they become wet. If a worker is exposed to asbestos while at work, there is a great likelihood that he or she will also be exposed to silicosis-related diseases. These include chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis and non-fatal cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes.

Silicates, polymers and polypropylene fibers are the common forms of naturally occurring asbestos. These fibers are generally not friable but tend to become sticky when damp, making them less portable and resistant to abrasion and heat. As a result, when asbestos fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled by workers. Over one million workers died from this form of lung cancer due to exposure to this material during the past fifty years.

Ultramafic rock is commonly found in basements and attics of private residences. It was used in construction before it was banned by the EPA in 2021 because of its potential health hazards. Urate deposits found in the Urate rock can cause mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the mesothelium, the covering of the lungs and chest. Additionally, this material tends to contain asbestos, as well as lead, which is a carcinogenic material.

In cases where there is a high concentration of naturally occurring asbestos, there can be a great risk of lung or chest irritation. When dust particles are inhaled into the lungs, they can become lodged in the alveoli, or airways of the lungs. Over time, this can lead to scarring and inflammation that will result in shortness of breath and coughing. This type of lung disease is called asbestos induced asthma. As a result of this asbestos exposure, you may have difficulty breathing and may begin to experience wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and chest pains.