subject: Does Your Employment Expose You To Asbestos? [print this page] The issue of asbestos in the workplace remains, despite well publicized medical risks and extensive legislation covering the management, removal and disposal of asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion, it is also used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold). Because asbestos is often mixed with another material, it's hard to know if you're working with it or not. But, if you work in a building built before the year 2000, it's possible that some parts of the building will contain asbestos. Asbestos is found in many products used in buildings, including ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coatings.
Mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, Asbestosis and Plural thickening are the four main serious diseases that you can get from exposure to asbestos. These diseases will not affect you immediately; but by the time you are diagnosed it is often too late.
The inhalation of asbestos fibres by workers can cause extreme diseases of the lungs and other organs that may not appear until years after the exposure has occurred. For instance, asbestosis can cause a build up of scar-like tissue in the lungs and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death.
Smokers are at higher risk of developing some asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos fibres associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
General industry employees may be exposed to asbestos during the manufacture of asbestos-containing products or when performing brake and clutch repairs. When construction workers disturb asbestos-containing material during the renovation or demolition of buildings, exposure could happen. Employees in the maritime environment also may be exposed when renovating or demolishing ships constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Deteriorating asbestos-containing materials in buildings can expose custodial workers to asbestos.
Did you know that from October 2006 you have been obliged to have asbestos awareness training if you are involved directly or in management of the following trades?
Construction (in fact all building related trades)
Painter/decorator
Electrician/Plumber
Demolition
Maintenance workers
Building surveyors
Property Managers
Health & Safety professionals including CDM Coordinators
Architects
Project Managers
These workers and others are expected to have asbestos awareness training on a regular basis. null
Most people are exposed to low amounts of asbestos present in the atmosphere with no ill effects. If asbestos fibres and dust are inhaled in higher concentrations over a period of time then it can be potentially very serious. If this happens, they can cause serious lung diseases including cancer. It is often 30 or 40 years later when you realise that you have an asbestos related disease.
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos fibres, its a good idea to see your GP and let them know, so it can be entered on your medical record.
It is better to attempt to remove asbestos insulation or building materials with proper equipment and professional supervision otherwise it can result in serious illness and death. If you are not trained to remove asbestos then the advice is not to do it. Your lack of knowledge and experience could end up costing you more financially. Also doing so is usually against the law and in some cases has resulted in criminal prosecution.
Always consult a reputable company for advice and help with asbestos removal.
