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Risks Of Asbestos Exposure
Each year, Australia records quite some deaths from asbestos-related diseases. In past times, asbestos was in everyday use. Although it is illegal to use new products in Australia, asbestos exposure poses serious health risks. But what does asbestos exposure mean? Read on to find out.
You can also learn about the symptoms and causes of asbestos-related diseases; in addition, this post discusses the health risks of asbestos exposure.
Treatment of asbestos-related diseases, risks of workplace exposure to asbestos, some control measures for asbestos, and how to reduce cancer risks. Lastly, you learn what to do about asbestos removal and some risk factors for asbestos-related diseases.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a name for a type of naturally occurring mineral with resistance to high temperatures and fire. Incidentally, they act as good insulators. As such, they were popularly used as building materials between the 1940s and up till 1987.
Groups Of Asbestos Containing Materials
Generally, asbestos materials can be of two groups. They include:
Bonded or non-friable asbestos materials
Non-friable asbestos is a mixture of bonding agents like cement and asbestos fibres. They are unlikely to release fibres if they are not disturbed or damaged. However, deterioration over time can increase the likelihood.
Friable or loosely bound asbestos materials
You can easily crumble friable asbestos in your hand. In other words, you can reduce them to powder. This makes friable asbestos materials to be more dangerous than non-friable asbestos materials. The fibres can be quickly released into the air.
What Is Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure simply means the state of being exposed to asbestos fibres when they become airborne. Microscopic asbestos fibres may be in products like building materials and automotive parts. Also, asbestos is used in many domestic, commercial, and industrial products.
When such asbestos products are disturbed, asbestos fibres may become airborne. The risk of asbestos exposure is posed when inhaling or ingesting toxic mineral dust. Moreover, asbestos dangers are too real since this toxic mineral dust can stay in the air for 48 to 72 hours.
Airborne Asbestos Fibers And Risk To Health
Asbestos fibres pose an adverse health risk when they are airborne and get inhaled. You may get exposed to small amounts of asbestos in your daily routine. Not to worry. Such small amounts do not cause you to develop asbestos-related conditions. You need to have been exposed to high levels of airborne dust.
Generally, people who suffer health effects from asbestos exposure have worked in the asbestos mining industry. They have also worked in industries that make or install asbestos products. Secondary exposure may occur in immediate families of people exposed to high levels of asbestos dust.
Health Risks Of Asbestos Exposure
Inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibres can become trapped in the respiratory or digestive tract. Although the body can eliminate some asbestos fibres, others stay permanently. Likely, you will find that many asbestos products do not contain asbestos fibres that can quickly release into the air.
The same applies to asbestos used in building materials. The asbestos is bonded into the products. Consequently, it poses little or no risk of harmful health effects. However, you must handle such asbestos products with care. You should not sand, tear or crumble the material.
Otherwise, you may release asbestos fibres into the air. Indeed, the health risks of asbestos exposure become greater with repeated and long-term exposure. These accumulated asbestos fibres can ultimately cause inflammation, DNA damage, cellular changes, and other asbestos diseases.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos exposure can cause different diseases. This includes various types of cancer and several pulmonary conditions. The Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network, in its 2016 report, approximated the number of deaths due to asbestos-related diseases as 4000.
Here are some asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is rare cancer affecting the tissue lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is termed pleural mesothelioma when it concerns the lungs. This malignant cancer is one of the primary cancers caused by asbestos. However, it may take between 20 to 40 years to develop.
For many years, asbestos was primarily used in products, mining, and housing in Australia. As a result, Australia records one of the highest incidences of mesothelioma globally. In addition, findings show an average of only 11 months elapse between diagnosis and death. Thus, mesothelioma tumours in the abdomen are rightly regarded as asbestos health risks.
Lung cancer
As much as 4% of all lung cancer cases are linked to asbestos exposure. Furthermore, asbestos-related lung cancer is the most significant cause of death relative to all the conditions caused by asbestos.
However, lung cancer may not often cause symptoms in its early stages. Instead, symptoms commonly occur during the advanced cancer stages.
Common symptoms of lung cancer primarily include shortness of breath, chronic cough, fever, weight loss, and chest pain. However, these symptoms also occur with other lung diseases. Consequently, it is advisable to perform laboratory tests like chest x-rays to confirm the diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer
Cancer research has established that asbestos can cause ovarian cancer.
Laryngeal cancer
National institutes of health have confirmed that asbestos can cause laryngeal cancer.
Asbestosis
Typically, people with asbestosis have breathing difficulty. This is due to the resultant progressive scarring of the lung tissue. Another symptom is the clubbing of fingers. People with asbestosis have increased risks of developing lung cancer.
Pleural plaques
Here, you find areas of fibrous thickening in the lining around the lungs.
Diffuse pleural thickening
The pleural lining of the lungs becomes thickened due to extensive scarring.
Pleural effusion
Again, difficulty in breathing is common. Fluids build up around the lungs.
Pleurisy
Severe inflammation leading to pleuritic pain occurs in the pleural lining.
Atelectasis
The pleural lining folds in on itself. This results from Inflammation and scarring.
Asbestos And Cancer
When one is exposed to asbestos, it increases the risk of developing certain cancers. This includes cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary. In addition, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lung can result.
Often, these cancers can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. Consequently, great caution must be taken when handling asbestos-containing materials. You should ensure that the asbestos fibres are not released into the air.
Cancer risks of asbestos
Cancer risk from asbestos can depend upon the following factors:
• Length of time, one is exposed to airborne asbestos fibres
• The number of asbestos fibres breathed in from the air
• The frequency of asbestos fibres exposure
• The time that has elapsed since the primary exposure took place
• The specifics of the asbestos fibres relate to the type and size
Smoking And Risk Of Asbestos Disease
Asbestos-related diseases affect the lungs. Similarly, smoking affects the lungs. As such, smoking increases the risk of lung cancer for people already exposed to asbestos. Thus, those who have had asbestos exposure need to take special care not to smoke. Individuals who have had asbestos exposure should take extra safeguards not to smoke.
Symptoms Of Asbestos-Related Diseases
Remarkably, people who develop the asbestos disease may remain symptom-free for years. This can last for as long as ten to 40 years after exposure. If you notice any of the symptoms below, see your healthcare provider.
• Shortness of breath
• Cough development or changing cough patterns
• Coughing up of bloody fluid (sputum) from the lungs
• Chest pain
• Prolonged hoarseness or swallowing difficulty
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Loss of appetite
• Significant weight loss
• Fatigue
Test And Diagnose Asbestos-Related Diseases
Be prepared for some questions about the causes and symptoms of asbestos exposure. After that, your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam. This may include the following:
• Lung/pulmonary function tests
• Chest x-rays
• Lab tests to check the possible amounts of asbestos material in your body
• CT scan of the lungs
• Bronchoscopy to get detailed lung images
• Lung/pleural biopsy involves checking for signs of disease in a small sample of lung tissue
Treatment Of Asbestos-Related Diseases
Breathing in asbestos affects different areas of the body. Asbestos-related cancer or asbestos-related treatment can vary depending on the levels of asbestos exposure.
Draining the fluid around the lungs
Cancer treatment can sometimes involve draining the fluid around the lungs – as with pleural effusion.
Oxygen therapy
Although it does not heal the damage asbestos causes, it helps to manage symptoms. For example, it can improve breathing problems and shortness of breath.
Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery
For example, lung cancer or mesothelioma may need one or all three treatment measures—likewise, a lung transplant with severe symptoms.
Use Of Asbestos In Australia
Australia used to record one of the highest uses of asbestos per capita. However, asbestos products have since been phased out (in the 1980s). Moreover, at the end of 2003, a national ban was placed on importing asbestos. This ban also applies to all products containing asbestos.
Nevertheless, tradespeople and renovators can still be exposed to asbestos-containing materials. After all, some of these materials remain in place in Australia.
Examples Of Asbestos-Containing Materials
This includes the following:
• Corrugated sheeting
• Flat sheeting
• Cement pipes
• Adhesives
• Floor tiles
• Insulation
• Roofing
• Textured paints
• Automobile parts such as brake pads
• Textiles
• Textured paints
Asbestos In The Home
If your home was built or renovated earlier than 1990, it might contain asbestos products. However, if the asbestos materials are in good condition, do not touch or disturb them. You may release the asbestos fibers into the air. Instead, get asbestos materials inspected periodically for signs of deterioration or damage.
You should get a licenced asbestos removalist to do your bushfire clean-up work. This applies to situations where asbestos-containing materials have been burnt. You can get some information regarding asbestos in the home from the following agencies and sources.
• Consumer product safety commissions for information on asbestos exposure in consumer products
• Food and Drug Administration bodies
• Seek your local council's environmental health officer's advice if you find asbestos in your home
• Check the Asbestos Safety website for details on asbestos
Risks Of Workplace Exposure To Asbestos
A good workplace guide is to keep to Safe Work Australia's warning. As a worker, you should be careful of possible asbestos-containing products or materials built, manufactured, installed, commissioned, or designed earlier than 1 January 2004. This includes all construction materials, gaskets, friction brake products, insulation products, vehicles, and plant equipment.
Chance of asbestos exposure in the workplace
Meanwhile, the chances of being exposed to asbestos in the workplace are higher for some occupations than others. For example, those in the building trades who work on asbestos-containing materials may be affected. This includes transport/waterside workers, builders, plumbers, cement manufacturing workers, and insulators.
Other occupations at risk of asbestos-containing materials
Other occupations with high risk include electricians and mechanics. Generally, you are at risk if you work with asbestos-containing materials and use power tools. Likely, asbestos fibres will often be released into the air. Consequently, you must pay attention to asbestos safety regulations in this line of work.
Workplace environmental health effects of asbestos exposure
Incidentally, you can find a good instance of the workplace environmental health effects of asbestos exposure in studies of the aftermath of the 2001 World trade center terrorist attack. Up to 70% of clean-up workers had new or worsened respiratory problems.
Likewise, about 26% of them showed abnormal lung function tests. In any case, you still have to follow work health and safety laws. These laws are effective in all states and territories. They explain the duty of care for employers. Similarly, you can take note of workers' responsibilities to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.
Some Control Measures For Asbestos
Asbestos identification
• Mere outward appearances of building materials may not be enough indication.
• Materials older than 1990 likely contain asbestos.
• Qualified, competent, and appropriately trained persons should confirm the presence of asbestos.
• A NATA-accredited laboratory should test suspected asbestos-containing materials.
• Warning labels may indicate if a product contains asbestos.
Asbestos removal
• Generally, you should make use of wet, non-destructive methods.
• Friable asbestos removal may require saturation and water removal.
• Only use dry removal methods, like near electrical equipment, when wet spray methods are unsuitable.
• Other things needed may include continuous misting sprays, negative air enclosures, or glove bag methods.
Enclosing asbestos
• You need to cover and seal asbestos to prevent access to it completely.
• Prevent the release of asbestos fibres. A protective coating or resilient matrix can act as a good seal.
• This is applicable for non-friable asbestos where asbestos removal is not possible.
Tools and equipment selection
• These should be manually operated. Alternatively, use low-speed battery-powered tools with dust control hoods.
• Avoid using high-powered tools.
Isolation
• Remember to limit access. Also, place visible warning signs. Possibly, place barricades around asbestos work areas.
• Inform others of asbestos work.
Clean-up
• Make use of wet cleanup methods. This can involve water misting or damp wiping.
• Avoid sweeping asbestos-contaminated material. Instead, use approved asbestos vacuum cleaners.
• It is compulsory to get clearance certificate for commercial removal before re-occupation.
Disposal
• Use double bags/0.2 mm polythene bag wraps for wet asbestos waste.
• In addition, seal bags with tape (use the 'gooseneck' method).
• Only half fill waste bags, so they do not tear.
• Apply warning labels.
• Label waste bins. Alternatively, a licenced carrier can perform asbestos removal immediately from the site.
Plan and register for asbestos management
• There should be an action plan for workplace asbestos risk identification and control.
• Keep and regularly update an asbestos management register. Include asbestos location, types, drawings, and so on.
• Make the register available to workers.
Training
• You should train your workers on asbestos risks, identification of asbestos, and management of asbestos dangers.
• Above all, give proper training to workers working with or with the possibility of working with asbestos-containing materials.
• Importantly, note that asbestos assessors, removalists, and supervisors need specialised training and licences.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• For friable asbestos removal, you must put on air supplied or air purifying respiratory protection. It should filter asbestos fibres.
• On the other hand, you need class P2 respirators for non-friable removal.
• Dress in disposable coveralls.
• Furthermore, such coveralls should have fitted hoods to prevent penetration of asbestos fibres.
• Use impervious gloves.
• Wear eye protection
• Wear gumboots rather than laced boots.
• Use tapes to seal wrist and ankle openings.
Decontamination
• Use a wet rag to wipe down protective clothing.
• For PPE removal, first, remove coveralls. Wipe down.
• Remove boots. Then, remove gloves and goggles.
• Remember to dispose of any clothing worn under coveralls.
• Lastly, remove the respirator.
• Again, you must double bag, seal, and label all waste, PPE, wet rags, and cleaning materials before disposal.
Asbestos In The Workplace
Certainly, you need to be able to control asbestos dangers in the workplace. This is especially so if your workplace has a high risk of asbestos exposure. Not to worry. Safe Work Australia has a handy guide: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the workplace.
Without these control measures, people working with or around airborne asbestos can have increased risks of developing cancer. Therefore, keeping Safe Work Australia's exposure standard for airborne asbestos is worthwhile. You can do this by proper air monitoring.
In addition, health monitoring can help identify workers with increased risks of developing work-related illnesses. Concerns on the level of control measures can be relayed to workplace management – as a worker.
Also, you could discuss this with health and safety representatives at your workplace. Furthermore, you could contact work health and safety regulators in your state and territory.
How To Reduce Cancer Risks
Taking some form of action is essential if you have health concerns. Similarly, you can take action if you may have been exposed to asbestos or some cancer-causing agent. Here are some precautionary steps to take to reduce cancer risks.
Speak with your doctor
Contact Cancer Council to know how to reduce workplace cancer risks. If you are overly concerned about being exposed to asbestos, register and complete Australia's National asbestos exposure register. It's a record for potential exposure.
Some useful websites
• The Victorian Government portal. Here, you can get information about asbestos in the workplace.
• A UK Health and Safety website.
Moreover, you can get documents from reputable health organisations and other research bodies. These include the following:
• Australian Institutes of Health and Welfare (AIHW). They have good literature on Mesothelioma in Australia.
• The United States Agency for toxic substances and disease registry. You can get good literature on the health effects of asbestos.
• The National Cancer Institute has good cancer research documents, such as Asbestos exposure and cancer risk.
• The World Health organisation has fact sheets you can check out on asbestos-related diseases.
• Similarly, you can check out the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute's website.
What To Do About Asbestos Removal
You have to invite a licensed and accredited asbestos removalist to remove loose or friable asbestos. This is also required for bonded asbestos sheeting measuring more than 10 square metres. You can reach out to the Asbestos removal contractors association.
If you live in a large city, you can check the yellow pages telephone directory for listed asbestos removalists. In addition, the local office of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) can give you information on the proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Meanwhile, remember to put on the Australian Standards (AS) approved dust mask or respirator if you have to enter areas contaminated with asbestos dust.
For further advice on the health risks of asbestos, contact the following:
• Your local environmental health unit
• The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency
For suspected asbestos exposure in the workplace, you may do the following:
• Notify your employer. Subsequently, the employer should take prompt action to remove the risk.
• Otherwise, contact your state or territory's work health and safety regulator.
• Also, the National asbestos exposure register (NAER) is recommended to register your details.
• Use the National Environmental Health Standing Committee Health guide on safely managing asbestos materials in the home. Simply visit the Department of Health website.
Risk Factors For Asbestos-Related Diseases
The factors mentioned below increase the risks of developing asbestos-related diseases.
• Type of asbestos: Chrysotile or white asbestos is considered to be dangerous. However, the other types of asbestos are suspected of posing a greater danger.
• Duration of exposure to asbestos fibres: The length of time of exposure is a factor.
• Intensity or levels of exposure: The amount of asbestos exposure is also a risk factor.
• Smoking: Again, people who smoke have a higher risk factor.
• Pre-existing lung diseases: The personal risk factor is higher with pre-existing lung diseases.
• Genetic mutations: Some people are genetically more likely to develop an asbestos-related disease due to gene changes.
Talk To An Asbestos Removalist
After taking your time to read this article, you may now know more about asbestos exposure. Moreover, you can refer to this post for causes and prevention measures of asbestos-related diseases.
Besides, you may have boosted your basic knowledge about asbestos as a DIY home renovator. Such knowledge about the risks and safe practices of removing even small amounts of asbestos-containing material can come in handy.
Remember, you can read updates on lung diseases, skin cancer, cancer treatment, cancer research, and clinical trials using the websites and resources mentioned in this post.
Ultimately, you will no longer need to ask: "what does asbestos mean?" Instead, you should be able to enlighten others on the dangers of asbestos exposure. If you encounter asbestos-containing materials, hire a certified asbestos removalist to handle the material for you.
David
