Did you know that nearly 60 countries have banned the use of asbestos?
Why? It’s known for causing cancer. In fact, it’s the number one cause of work-related deaths in the world.
To give you a better idea, more than 90,000 individuals die from asbestos-related conditions every year.
Despite this, the material is still used in many countries—including the United States. In fact, it might even be present in your office!
How much asbestos exposure is dangerous? What does it do to the body?
Want to know? If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!
How Much Asbestos Exposure Is Dangerous? – 5 Things You Should Keep in Mind
Want to know if there’s any asbestos in your office? This company can help.
In the meantime, here are some things that you should know about the carcinogen.
1. What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a type of mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. There are two main groups—amphibole asbestos and serpentine asbestos, both of which are harmful to the body.
What makes this material unique is that it is resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. For this reason, it is frequently used in the construction industry.
It is often present in ceilings, floor tiles, plastics, paints, and adhesives.
2. What does asbestos do to the body?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to breathe in asbestos fibers in the workplace.
Once they’re breathed in, they can get trapped in the lungs, where they can accumulate and cause inflammation. Scarring is also common.
In some cases, the material can affect breathing and lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
3. Who is at risk of asbestos-related diseases?
Low levels of asbestos are present in the water, soil, and water. Most of us would have been exposed to it at some point in our lives.
However, that isn’t enough to make us sick.
Ultimately, it is those who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis, such as those who work directly with the material, that is at the highest risk of disease.
4. What increases the risk of asbestos-related diseases?
Several factors determine how asbestos exposure will affect an individual.
For instance, you want to take into consideration how much asbestos they’re exposed to, how long they were exposed to, and the source of the exposure.
Those who smoke or have pre-existing lung disease may also be more prone to asbestos-related illnesses.
5. How can we detect asbestos-related diseases?
Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos on the job should inform their doctors about their exposure history.
Common symptoms of asbestos-related disease include shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, a persistent cough, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and pain in the chest.
It’s worth noting, however, that symptoms may not always develop immediately. In some cases, they can show up several decades after the exposure.
Keeping you and your employees safe
Hopefully, that gives you a better idea of how much asbestos exposure is dangerous.
Remember, it’s not uncommon for the material to be lurking somewhere in the office.
Do you have any first-hand experience with asbestos? Feel free to share your story with us in the comments below!
