What is Asbestos?
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural fibre that has been used extensively in the construction industry. In the 1990’s it’s detrimental health effects began to come to mainstream attention which led to more education around its negative effects.
For the majority of the 20th century, the dangers of asbestos were not known. During this time, it was often used in buildings for insulation, flooring, roofing and was sprayed on ceilings and walls. Many buildings that were constructed prior to 2000 may have asbestos in them.
Asbestos is a natural fibre that has been used extensively in the construction industry. In the 1990’s it’s detrimental health effects began to come to mainstream attention which led to more education around its negative effects.
For the majority of the 20th century, the dangers of asbestos were not known. During this time, it was often used in buildings for insulation, flooring, roofing and was sprayed on ceilings and walls. Many buildings that were constructed prior to 2000 may have asbestos in them.
What are the different types of Asbestos?
The three main types of asbestos that you are likely to come across are:
Chrysotile: This is the most common form of asbestos which often contains small amounts of tremolite. Chrysotile fibres have good heat resistant properties which makes them ideal for roofing materials.
Amosite: This is a heat resistant type of asbestos that used to be used in cement sheet, plumbing insulation and electrical insulation. This has a high cancer risk.
Crocidolite: This has thin fibres and when inhaled become lodged in the lungs. It’s brittle nature makes it one of the most dangerous types of asbestos as it can easily break down and cause asbestos exposure.
What does Asbestos look like?
The reality is that it is almost impossible for the average person to identify. Individual fibres are microscopic and cannot be viewed with the naked eye. The colours differ based on the asbestos type and fibre shape also differ based on the asbestos mineral type. Most fibres are sharp and needle like.
What is asbestos used for?
Asbestos was previously frequently used in many products including cement, insulation, sealants and tiles. Asbestos was used mainly to bring heat resistance and for fireproofing. It was used mainly in construction for insulation, cement, flooring, roofing and to fireproof products. After the ill-effects of asbestos began to be discovered in the late 1970s, manufacturers started to use safer alternatives to asbestos.
What are the health effects of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos increases the chance of contracting cancers such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer and ovarian cancer. Studies also link asbestos to breast cancer and colon cancer.
Due to their structure, the asbestos particles can easily embed into organ linings and tissues. After this happens, they mutate and contribute to the formation of cancer cells.
Diseases that asbestos causes include pleural thickening, pleural plaques and other conditions.
What to do if you have been exposed?
If you have been exposed to asbestos for more than 10-years, you should consult your doctor for a chest X-ray every 3-5 years.
If you work in the construction industry, make sure that you use all required safety equipment at work and follow safety procedures if your job will require you to come into contact with asbestos.
Employers are required to take steps to ensure that their employees are protected from asbestos exposure as far as possible. The laws of most countries also require workplaces to have decontamination areas and employee training sessions are also required.
Online Asbestos Awareness Training
Our online Asbestos Awareness Training course has been designed for anyone who works with, or might potentially come into contact with asbestos at work. The two sections that make up the course cover key areas surrounding asbestos awareness, and practical steps to avoid/reduce the dangers of asbestos.
The course, which can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, provides the user with a printable certificate upon completion of the end-of-course test.
