Why is Asbestos Hazardous?
Asbestos, a silent and deadly threat, continues to claim the lives of approximately 5,000 workers each year, surpassing the number of road traffic fatalities. A harrowing statistic reveals that around 20 tradespeople meet their demise weekly due to past asbestos exposure.
The danger, however, isn’t confined to the past; it lingers in buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, they release microscopic fibers into the air. These minuscule fibers pose a severe health risk when inhaled and can lead to debilitating diseases. The insidious nature of these illnesses means they often remain dormant for years before diagnosis, at which point, treatment options are frequently limited.
Asbestos-related diseases encompass:
Mesothelioma: This cancer primarily targets the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). Almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is typically fatal by the time it’s identified.
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer: Exhibiting similar characteristics to lung cancer caused by smoking and other factors, asbestos-related lung cancer is estimated to occur at a rate close to that of mesothelioma deaths.
Asbestosis: Arising from prolonged heavy exposure to asbestos over several years, asbestosis results in severe scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include progressive shortness of breath, with severe cases potentially leading to fatality.
Am I at Risk?
Various trades and professions are at risk of asbestos exposure during tasks such as refurbishment, maintenance, and related activities. These occupations include:
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Demolition workers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Plumbers
- Roofing contractors
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Construction workers
- Fire and burglar alarm installers
- Shop fitters
- Gas fitters
- Computer and data installers
- General maintenance staff (e.g., caretakers)
- Telecommunications engineers
- Architects, building surveyors, and other professionals
- Cable layers
- Electricians
Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive and doesn’t encompass all occupations with potential asbestos exposure risks.
When Am I Most at Risk?
Your risk of asbestos exposure is highest when:
- The building you’re working on was constructed before 2000.
- You are at an unfamiliar worksite.
- Asbestos-containing materials weren’t identified before commencing work.
- Information about asbestos-containing materials wasn’t communicated by those in charge.
- You haven’t conducted a risk assessment.
- You lack knowledge on recognizing and safely working with asbestos.
- You haven’t received proper information, instruction, and training.
- Despite knowing how to work safely with asbestos, you choose to forgo precautions, possibly to save time or due to non-compliance by others.
Remember
- Asbestos fibers are invisible and odorless in the air.
- The effects of asbestos exposure may take many years to manifest; avoid inhalation now.
- Smokers exposed to asbestos fibers face a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer.
- Asbestos poses a danger only when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled.
- As long as asbestos remains undamaged and secure in its location, it doesn’t pose an immediate risk.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Asbestos lurks within industrial and residential structures constructed or renovated prior to 2000. It can be concealed within common building materials often encountered in your line of work, including:
Inside Buildings:
- Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls, beams, and columns
- Asbestos cement water tanks
- Loose-fill insulation
- Lagging on boilers and pipes
- AIB ceiling tiles
- Toilet seats and cisterns
- AIB partition walls
- AIB panels in fire doors
- Asbestos rope seals, gaskets, and paper
- Vinyl floor tiles
- AIB surrounding boilers
- Textiles such as fire blankets
Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself and others from the hidden dangers of asbestos.