Asbestos is the largest single cause of occupational ill health (in other words asbestos is the biggest killer in the workplace).The number of people who die each year from past exposure to asbestos is now more than 5000 in the UK alone and that figure is expected to increase to possibly 10,000 by 2025 when the death rate is expected to peak.
When it comes to potential hazards lurking in our surroundings, asbestos stands out as a silent but deadly threat. You might have heard of it in passing, but do you really understand its dangers?
With NATAS leading the way in asbestos awareness, let’s delve deeper into the health effects of asbestos to uncover its true risk.
Understanding the Risks: Health Effects
Mesothelioma
This disease can have a latency period of 30-40 years from the time of first exposure. It causes cancer of the cells lining the lungs, ribs and abdominal organs.
It is particularly linked to Crocidolite and Amosite and in many cases can develop after relatively low exposures.
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer caused due to asbestos exposure is medically termed as “Bronchial Carcinoma” and it occurs in the air passages that bring air in to the lungs. This disease has a latency period of 20-30 years from the time of the first exposure.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue and is a disease that progress slowly. As mentioned by the advisory committee on Asbestos, 1979, “The fibrosis of the lungs caused by asbestos dusts which may or may not be associated with fibrosis of the outer and inner layer of the pleura” is called Asbestosis. This disease has a latency period of about 10-60 years.
Constricting Breathing: Pleural Thickening
Asbestos pleural thickening is a condition that affects the lungs. It’s caused by exposure to asbestos, a material that used to be commonly used in construction and other industries. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause scarring and thickening of the lining of the lungs, which is known as the pleura. This can make it more difficult for the lungs to expand and contract normally, which can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms.
History of asbestos use
Due to its widespread use in construction in the UK (asbestos in all its forms was only finally banned in 1999), workers in the construction, demolition, and building maintenance trades are at greater risk from asbestos exposure.
The many properties of asbestos made it an ideal material for the construction industry. To date, over 3000 uses of asbestos have been recorded.
Asbestos was used throughout the construction industry from the 1860’s up until 1999 in building materials and products for new buildings and the refurbishment of old buildings.
Millions of asbestos products still remain in our buildings today
Although asbestos in all its forms was finally banned in 1999 there are still millions of buildings and facilities including industrial, commercial and domestic, which contain asbestos materials.
Therefore as you may work in buildings where asbestos may be present or you might encounter asbestos during the course of your work, you will need to know what you can do to reduce your risk of exposure.
Whilst asbestos can be found in many products and materials in buildings it does not pose a threat to health unless the asbestos containing materials are disturbed, damaged or are in poor condition.
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres which can be released when asbestos containing materials are disturbed. These airborne fibres can be inhaled and cause asbestos related diseases.
“Asbestos exposure generally refers to exposure to airborne asbestos fibres”
Unveiling the Latency
The Deceptive Delay: Latency Period
One of the most alarming aspects of asbestos-related diseases is their latency period, which can range from 15 to 60 years. This means that exposure today may not manifest into symptoms until decades later, making prevention crucial at every stage of life.
Competence Through Education: Asbestos Awareness
Knowledge Is Key: Asbestos Awareness
With an asbestos awareness course, you equip yourself and your workforce with the knowledge needed to protect yourself and others from the hazards of asbestos safely and effectively.
NATAS: Your Partner in Safety
At NATAS, we understand the gravity of asbestos-related risks. Our online asbestos awareness training is designed to arm you with the information and strategies necessary to protect yourself and your team from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
