Risky Industries For Asbestos Exposure

Risky Industries For Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous in nature, chemical resistance, fire-resistant and usually very strong. It can also easily be woven into cloth to make fireproof clothing. Despite asbestos being such an excellent substance, it is very dangerous and hazardous to labourers and employees, who work with it. It results in diseases like fibrosis, asbestos warts, asbestosis and even cancer. Mesolithima, a deadly disease, is the most fatal of all the diseases caused by exposure to asbestos materials.

Because of this, the use of asbestos, manufacturing and mining were banned in most countries a few decades ago. Still, some countries like China and India have not imposed a complete ban on asbestos. Still, the developed countries, that have banned asbestos are still reaping the repercussions of asbestos exposure. Diseases resulting from asbestos have a long latency period. Take, for instance, and mesothelioma may take up to 40 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

One problem with asbestos is that when mined and manufactured, lots of asbestos fibres and dust are released into the air. Since they are somewhat invisible and light, workers quickly inhale them. The real trouble starts after this since this fibres are very harmful when inhaled. When these fibres make contact with the mesothelium lining, they react adversely with its cells resulting in tumours. The tumours may appear in body parts like the abdomen, heart and lungs. These tumours may finally spread throughout the body and eventually lead to death.

The following industries have high-risk exposure to asbestos:

  • Construction workers

Since asbestos is very flexible, durable and fireproof, it is highly preferable in all construction materials. In some way, asbestos is usually present in cement, paint, sheets, and pipes, and so on. Not only the construction workers, officers in offices, children in school and all other faces a risk of asbestos exposure.

  • Power plants

The generators and boilers of fire plants are mostly lined with asbestos. This is done to protect it from sudden fires and intense heats.

  • Firefighters

In the previous years, firefighters wore clothing’s woven with asbestos. This clothing gave rise to various health hazards because of asbestos exposure. Up to now when old buildings collapse because of fire, firefighters are exposed to asbestos.

  • Shipyards

Most of the items in ships like boilers, hot water pipes, incinerator insulations and boilers contain asbestos. Because asbestos is chemical-proof, fireproof, flexible and strong, it is popularly used in ship components. Because of this, shipyard workers are at risk of developing diseases that are related to asbestos, for example, mesothelioma. During the second world war, destruction and overhauling of old ships released a lot of asbestos, and as a result, many people were affected.

  • Steel mills

Asbestos is present in the thermal insulation materials that are used in steel mills.

While this article gives you some insights about how asbestos affects our various workplaces, this isn’t conclusive, and it is essential to be vigilant and take proper care ton to prevent asbestos exposure.

Source: www.irwinasbestos.com.au

Tips on How to Choose the Best Asbestos Removal

Tips on How to Choose the Best Asbestos Removal

Company

Asbestos has been associated with cancer and other deadly illnesses. This, therefore, tells you that you need a reliable asbestos removal company whenever you are dealing asbestos. Not every company that you are going to come across when it is best to provide you with asbestos removal services. Some are in the business because they are interested in making huge profits and those are the types that you need to avoid by all means. Since identifying the best asbestos removal company can be a daunting task, always put the following tips into consideration.

Check the Track Record

It is always a wise idea to check the track record of a company before deciding that you are going to work with it. As they say, there is nothing new under the sun. What this simply means is that if a company has been offering shoddy services in the past, then they are likely to do the same when it comes to your turn — talking to people who might have made use of the professional asbestos removal services before can make a huge difference. When trying to get insights from family members and friends, put in mind that professional companies are always keen on timeliness as well as offering quality services.

Methods of Removal

Another important factor to consider when looking for the best asbestos removal company is the method of removal. The fact that asbestos is poisonous means that you need to make sure the method used is highly reliable. It is possible that you might not be aware of the best methods to use in such situations. If that is the case, then make sure that you talk about the method that they are going to use with the company.

Insurance and Licensing

Lastly, you have to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate company. Many people have found themselves in a serious problem with the authorities because of collaborating with legal entities.
Companies that have not been licensed by relevant authorities might have not the necessary skills to offer the services that you seek. In other words, a license tells you that you are dealing with a company that is capable of handling the task ahead of you. The insurance, on the other hand, is important because it assures you of protection. Remember that handling of asbestos is a risky process, and this means that anything that can happen.