Regulation on the Production, Importation, Handling, Sale,
Segregation, Transportation, Use, Storage, and Trade in and Disposal of
Asbestos and Materials containing Asbestos in Liberia
Definitions
Asbestos:- Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring
fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and
resistance to heat ad most chemicals. In most developed countries, including
America, Asbestos is defined as the asbestiform varieties of chrysotile
*serpentine); crocidolite (riebeckite); amosite (cummingtonite/grunerite);
anthophyilite; tremolite; and actinolite. Any substance or material therefore
containing 1% or more of any of the asbestiform varieties specified above is
asbestos.
Asbestos fiber:-a particle of asbestos that is not less than 5 micrometers in
length, and is less than 3 micrometers in width, and has a length to width ratio
of not less than 3:1.
Health Effects of Exposure to Asbestos
Exposure to airborne friable asbestos may result in a potential health risk
because persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continual
exposure to asbestos can increase the amount of fibers that remain in the lung.
Fibers embedded in the lung tissue over time may cause serious lung diseases,
including asbestos, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of
developing illness from exposure to asbestos.