Safety Corner: Asbestos

Asbestos may be a word you've heard before, but do you know what it actually is? Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are prized for their heat-resistant and corrosion-proof properties, making them ideal for use in various products such as pipe insulation, floor tiles, and automotive brakes. However, these seemingly innocuous materials can pose a significant threat to your health if proper precautions are not taken. In this article, we will look at the hazards associated with asbestos and explore some controls you can use to protect yourself from its harmful effects. 

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and odorless, which makes them difficult to detect, but they can cause severe damage when inhaled over time. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has been linked to several deadly diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a fatal tumor of the membrane lining the cavity of the lung or stomach), loss of lung functionality, chronic disability, and even death. Moreover, once these fibers enter your body, there is no way to remove them, leaving you with a lifetime of health complications. As if that weren't enough, asbestos micro-fibers can be transferred from the workplace to your vehicle or home on clothes, tools, hair, and other objects, putting others at risk too. If you’re old enough, you’ve probably seen the mesothelioma lawsuit ads from the late 90’s/early 2000’s. 

To protect yourself from the dangers of asbestos, it's crucial to take certain measures before starting any repair or demolition work. Firstly, confirm whether the materials you are about to handle contain asbestos or not. If suspected or confirmed, use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, goggles, gloves, and garments during the process. Consider engineering asbestos hazards out of the work process by replacing entire components instead of just repairing materials that may disturb asbestos. Immediately wash clothes, tools, and equipment to prevent transferring fibers to other areas and people. Finally, communicate any suspected asbestos-containing material to your supervisors and coworkers right away. 

In conclusion, asbestos is a silent killer lurking in many homes and workplaces, so it's essential to be aware of its presence and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from its harmful effects. By understanding the risks associated with asbestos and implementing proper controls, you can minimize the risk of developing serious health problems and ensure a safer working environment for everyone involved.