Danger In The Dust: Asbestos Awareness And Controlling

There are lot of people are working in various industries with different jobs. Those who working in asbestos-related industries, were frequently exposed to asbestos during their job. As a result, they are at the risk to develop asbestos-related diseases like Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Pleural plaque, Pleural Effusion, lung cancer and a variety of malignancies.

For control and to take proper steps on this we must know more about what is asbestos, different methods of asbestos exposure and through what all ways it affects you.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is an excellent fire- and heat- resistant fibrous material. This is a naturally-occurring six unique minerals — chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite — belonging to the serpentine and amphibole families, now known to be a human carcinogen.

Identified different types of asbestos are :

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)* Amosite (brown asbestos)* Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

The exposure of these fibrous materials to the air from the workplace or from areas where asbestos detected can result in large hazards. So for maintaining and protecting a healthy environment, it is important to understand the methods in what all ways these materials are exposed.

Different Types of Asbestos Exposure

1. Military Exposure

Asbestos was used across all branches of the military for many years.Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in buildings on military installations and while working on military vehicles. So all of them are exposed to asbestos, which eventually has an increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

2.Commercial and Industrial Exposure

Many workers and site contractors are working at different asbestos present areas and commercial job sites were subjected to dangerous levels of asbestos on the job. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer.

The types of job sites where asbestos exposure occurred are : * Oil refineries* Power plants* Steel mills * Chemical plants and etc.

All these industries have "high heat" environments. Without proper precautions no one can work in these sites. So, workers have to use fire and heat resistant protective clothing to protect themself from fire and heat.

3. Commercial Product Exposure

Many commercial products such as insulation, roofing material, siding, joint compound, ceiling tiles, flooring were really depended upon asbestos as it is highly resistant to fire and heat. But, when any of these products were cut, damaged, or sanded, asbestos fibers were released into the air. The inhalation of these exposed minute fibers from asbestos can embed in the lungs and eventually cause many asbestos-related diseases.

Prevent and avoid asbestos-related disease by taking a proper awareness training and by adopting relevant precautions. Follow steps to remove asbestos as safely as possible and ensure not just a safer work environment, but safer, healthier lives, as well.

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