Exposure to asbestos

There are a number of respiratory ailments caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. The type of disease that develops depends on the duration of exposure and the amount and type of inhaled asbestos. There are several steps that can be taken in the workplace to help prevent asbestos exposure and reduce the risk of developing diseases related to exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a natural fiber that is very resistant to the methods of destruction. It is widely used in roofing, insulation and fireproofing. It is operated in southern Africa, Canada and Eastern Europe.

Types of asbestos include:

Chrysolite (90% of asbestos) is a white fiber that is softer and less fibrogenic. Crocidolite (6%) is blue asbestos, which is particularly resistant to chemical destruction. It is resistant to destruction of immune cells in the body and makes the type of more likely asbestos of asbestosis and mesothelioma.Exposure to asbestos is present in the mining of asbestos and milling industries, construction, fireproofing and other industries. Exhibition previously occurred especially in shipyards and power plants, and the families of workers would be exposed by the House of particles worn on the clothing of the worker. The pervasive use of asbestos in the past means that the low levels of exposure are common, and while the exhibition is now regulated, workers can still be exposed as part of the demolition and replacement of the insulation. There's also a time delay up to 20 to 40 years between exposure and the development of the disease.

Asbestosis (a type of pulmonary fibrosis) mesothelioma (lung cancer almost exclusively associated with exposure to asbestos). Lung cancer related to asbestos as small cell and non-small cell cancer (the risk increases with the consumption of cigarettes).Safety precautions are now in place to help reduce exposure to asbestos and therefore the development of these conditions. The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Code of practice for the safe removal of asbestos provides guidance on the safe removal of the asbestos material containing asbestos from buildings and structures, plant and equipment and vehicles (see their website, available at www.nohsc.gov.au, to obtain copies of these guidelines). Materials containing asbestos may release fibers into the environment each time they are disturbed, which may include drilling, boring, cut, deposit, brushing, grinding, sanding, break, smashing or blowing with compressed air. Other events that might lead to the release of asbestos fibres are of asbestos containing materials from the workplace and renovation, or demolition of buildings containing such substances. Personal protective equipment, including special clothes and masks must be worn when in contact with asbestos in the situations described above. Detailed regulations for the collection and handling of asbestos-containing materials is available on the Web site of the Government preceding.

Steps to help reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos in the workplace:

Identify materials containing asbestos. Adopt measures work prevent or minimize the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Wear personal protective equipment, including masks and clothing.King, t. asbestosis. 2005 UpToDate. Kumar, P. Clarke, M. clinical medicine. 5th ed. 2002. WB Saunders. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. Code of practice for the safe removal of asbestos. 2nd ed. 2005. Available at: http://www.nohsc.gov.au/PDF/temp/SafeRemovalCodeofPractice.pdf

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