Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly resistant to corrosion and heat. In fact, it has been used in products such as floor tiles, pipe insulation, vehicle clutches and brakes, and various building materials. It will include the mineral fibers crocidolite, tremolite, amosite, chrysotile, actinolite and other materials that have been chemically altered or treated. Intensive exposure generally occurs in the construction and ship repair industry, especially during the removal of asbestos materials due to repairs, demolition, and renovations. Most of the time, workers are the ones who are exposed during automobile brake and clutch repair work and during the manufacturing process of asbestos products such as insulation, friction products, and textiles.

The dangers of asbestos

This substance has been recognized as a health hazard. Also, its use these days is highly regulated by the authorities. The fibers that are associated with various health risks are very small; in fact, they cannot be seen with the naked eye. You should know that if your breath is fibers, it could cause a buildup of scar tissue in your lungs; this is called asbestosis. This condition will result in loss of lung function that can progress to disability and death. Apart from that, this substance will also cause other diseases such as mesothelioma of the pleura, a fatal malignant tumor of the lining of the lung or stomach membranes. There is already a growing body of evidence showing that all types of asbestos fiber can cause mesothelioma in humans.

How to Reduce Asbestos Hazards

There are safety standards imposed by the authorities in order to reduce the effects of asbestos on human health. These standards can reduce risk to workers by requiring them to provide personal exposure monitoring to assess risk, as well as hazard awareness training for operations where potential asbestos exposure exists. It is imperative that airborne asbestos levels do not exceed legal limits for worker exposure. For any type of asbestos fiber, there is no “safe” level.

Every occupational exposure to asbestos can actually cause injury or illness. In addition, each occupational exposure will contribute to the risk of acquiring an asbestos-related disease. Employers are required to protect workers by establishing regulated areas. In addition, they are required to ensure that exposure is reduced by implementing administrative controls and providing various personal protective equipment for workers. In fact, medical control is also essential when legal exposure limits and times are exceeded.