Asbestos Synopsis | What Activities May Disturb Asbestos? | What Are The Dangers Of Asbestos? | Where Is Asbestos Found?
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used throughout the 20th century, valued for its exceptional thermal and insulation properties. However, its serious health risks have only become widely understood in recent decades. Asbestos is a dangerous material, and when disturbed or damaged, it releases microscopic fibres into the air. If these fibres are inhaled or swallowed, they can lodge in the body and cause significant harm. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. A key concern is the long latency period of these diseases, with symptoms often emerging 20 to 50 years after exposure. Given the severe risks, it is vital to handle and remove asbestos with care, ensuring the process is carried out safely and by certified professionals.
Before starting an asbestos removal project, an asbestos survey must be conducted to identify the type, location, condition, and quantity of asbestos present. This survey determines the appropriate removal method.
Key factors influencing the type of asbestos removal include:
- Exposure Levels: The duration and intensity of workers’ exposure to fibres impact the classification. For instance, handling highly friable materials for over an hour weekly requires a licensed contractor.
- Friability: The ease with which asbestos material crumbles. Highly friable materials release more fibres, posing greater risks.
- Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM): Non-licensed materials like cement sheets or tiles may require reclassification if damaged, as deterioration increases fibre release risks.
Asbestos Synopsis
Asbestos-related deaths in Great Britain are alarming, with thousands lost annually. Due to a decades-long latency period, many exposed individuals remain at risk without showing symptoms. The widespread use of asbestos in construction has left it in many older buildings, posing a hidden danger when disturbed. Its tiny, invisible fibers make exposure hard to detect until it's too late.
Although asbestos was banned in 1999, many structures still contain it, necessitating proper management and removal to ensure safety. Workers in older buildings must take precautions, while employers are responsible for providing training and protective equipment. Post-2000 buildings are generally safer, but vigilance remains essential even in newer structures.
Effective asbestos management includes identifying, containing, and safely removing materials, alongside regular training and safety protocols. Early detection of asbestos-related diseases through medical awareness and public education is also critical. A combined effort of management, awareness, and medical intervention can help reduce deaths and create safer environments for all.
What Activities May Disturb Asbestos?
When working on the structure of a building, individuals are often confronted with the presence of asbestos. There are certain activities that can disturb asbestos and increase the risk of exposure, including drilling into walls, refurbishment or retrofitting, demolition, and installation of new components such as smart meters. Additionally, activities like sanding, scraping, or cutting of materials can also disturb asbestos and release fibers into the air.
Some occupations are more likely to encounter asbestos, particularly those working on buildings constructed before the year 2000. This is because asbestos was commonly used in building materials during this time period. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of buildings built before 1980 contain asbestos in some form. However, it's worth noting that when asbestos is left undisturbed and in good condition, the risk of exposure is extremely low.
It's essential for workers and property owners to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and gloves, and following proper handling and removal procedures. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials. By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos and ensure a safer working environment.
What Are The Dangers Of Asbestos?
You can't detect asbestos fibres with your senses - they're invisible, odourless, and don't have a texture. Yet, they're there, released into the air when materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged. When inhaled, these fibres can lead to severe and irreversible diseases. The most common asbestos-related diseases are Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and inflammation of the lungs Asbestos-related lung cancer: a type of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres
These diseases don't manifest immediately; they often develop over time, sometimes taking decades to appear. By the time a diagnosis is made, it may be too late to take action. This is why it's crucial to take precautions now to protect yourself and those around you from the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos was once widely used in construction, insulation, and other products due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that its long-term effects on human health were devastating. Today, asbestos is banned in many countries, but old buildings and products still contain it. Exposure can occur during renovation, demolition, or simply by living in a home or building that contains asbestos.
Where Is Asbestos Found?
Before 1999, asbestos was widely used in building construction and renovation for insulation, fireproofing, and noise reduction. It was commonly found in pipe and duct lagging, fireproof panels, cement roofing, and sprayed coatings on structural steelwork. These materials offered durability, fire resistance, and insulation but were later banned due to severe health risks. Asbestos can still be hidden in buildings, such as within cavity walls, releasing fibers when disturbed. Building owners must conduct inspections and risk assessments to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials. Failure to do so endangers health, as inhaling asbestos fibers can cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Proactive asbestos management is essential to ensure safe environments.
