Asbestos, a natural mineral that is lenient and stretchy yet can resist heat, electricity, and weathering, can be pulled into a fluffy uniformity is widely used in various materials. It is used to make materials such as cloth, cement, paper, and plastic stronger. But, if someone inhales or swallows asbestos dust, it can be severely harmful. This non-digestive product remains trapped in our body forever, can cause irritation, blemishing, and ultimately cause genetic damage to the cells in our body.
Asbestos can also cause deadly diseases like progressive lung cancer and mesothelioma. And the challenge is – the tiny asbestos fibers are not visible to bare eyes, and they can neither be smelled nor tasted. Thus, avoiding consumption of the same can only be restricted to the use of it.
Thus, companies dealing with asbestos removal Victoria are trying to use other products such as polyurethane foams, flour fillers, cellulose fibers, etc. for building materials.
Exposure to asbestos can take place while on the job such as in the military, or through second-hand exposure such as in schools, or products.
Removal of Asbestos Can Prevent the Following Diseases
Various studies display that direct or indirect contact with asbestos can be the cause of numerous ailments, including cancers, the most common being asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. It has also been proved that exposure to asbestos increases the chances of other cancers such as lung, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal.
Some other asbestos-related diseases that you can avoid are:
- Asbestosis
- Pleural effusions
- Pleural plaques
- Pleuritis
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- COPD
Risks That Increase Due to Exposure to Asbestos
Both direct and indirect exposure to asbestos can be dangerous, but regular exposure over a long period has the worst effect on an individual. More the exposure, more is the amount of asbestos that gets accumulated in the body fastening the process of cellular damage, which has no cure.
Since these particles take a long time to react in the body, the maximum of the diseases is found in men above 60. And primarily in those who have been in contact with asbestos because of their occupation.
Occupations which involve massive exposure to asbestos include:
- Construction
- Electricity Generation
- Firefighting
- Heavy Industry
- Military Service
- Mining
- Shipbuilding
Employees and the Area Near Asbestos Mines
The risk of asbestos exposure does not end with the workers; it percolates to their family members also. The latter gets a second-hand exposure to asbestos-dust, which is often carried back home by the workers. The clothes, tools, and products get contaminated by the dust, which cannot be cleaned easily and get transported to places beyond the workplace and cause harm to anyone coming in contact with them.
When manufacturing units restrict the use of asbestos and replace it with other more developed and safer products, they not protect their employees but also helps in building a better society for everyone.
For example, the houses in the area of mines dealing with asbestos are at significant environmental risk. The microscopic particles travel through the air and pollute everything, including water and food that they consume. And unfortunately, these mines exist are scattered all over the world!
People Using the Products Made of Asbestos
Use of asbestos is being restricted in most of countries; in some states, special permission needs to be taken from the Government for the use of asbestos. But, the exposure cannot be stopped so easily and quickly because it has been heavily used for years for:
- Tile made of vinyl asbestos
- Asbestos cement
- Roofing felt of asbestos
- Asbestos reinforced plastics
- Asbestos glues, sealants, and coverings
So, exposure to asbestos through an old building is widespread. Furthermore, every time an old building is demolished, it contaminates the air and puts the life of exposed people in risk.
Conclusion
Banning the use of asbestos is vital for ensuring that your environment is free from toxic pollution. Before beginning any repair or removal works on asbestos search for certified asbestos professional. They perform accredited tests and suggest the safest methods to restrict contamination from asbestos. Additionally, they can also supervise the process and ensure better health for the people in the area.
