Asbestos is a miracle mineral that is naturally fibrous. It is fire resistant, chemical resistant and very strong. It can be easily woven into cloth to make fireproof clothing. Despite being such a wonderful substance, it is very dangerous for the employees and workers who work with it. It leads to various diseases like asbestosis, fibrosis, asbestos warts and even cancer. Mesothelioma, a deadly asbest berlin disease, is the worst of all diseases caused by asbestos. For this reason, the use, extraction and production of asbestos was banned in many countries a few decades ago. But there are still many countries, such as India and China, that have not imposed a full ban on asbestos. Even the developed countries that have banned asbestos still reap the problems of asbestos exposure. This is because the diseases caused by asbestos exposure have a long latent period. For example, it can take as long as 40 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.
A problem with asbestos is that mining and manufacturing release a lot of asbestos dust and fibers into the atmosphere. Because these are light and invisible, workers breathe them in easily. After that, the problems start as these fibers are very harmful when inhaled. For example, when the asbestos fibers come in contact with the mesothelial layer, they react adversely with the cells, resulting in tumors. The tumors can appear in parts of the body such as the lungs, heart and abdomen. This disease is known as mesothelioma. These tumors can also spread throughout the body and eventually lead to deficiency.
The following industries are at high risk of asbestos exposure:
Contractor or construction worker:
Because asbestos is very strong, flexible and fire resistant, it is a very preferred material in all types of construction work. In some way or form, asbestos is present in paint, cement, pipe, pipe and sheet, etc. Not only the workers, but also local residents, school children in schools, civil servants in offices and everyone else are at risk of asbestos.
Firefighters:
In the past, firefighters wore clothing woven with asbestos. This fireproof clothing resulted in various health hazards due to asbestos exposure. Even now, when old buildings collapse from fire, firefighters are exposed to asbestos.
Power plants:
The boilers and generators of power plants are usually lined with asbestos. This is done to protect it from intense heat and sudden fires.
Car mechanic:
Mechanics work with brakes and clutch linings that contain asbestos. This is how they are exposed to asbestos. Even though asbestos is now banned, old vehicles still contain such asbestos parts.
Miners:
Minerals such as vermiculite and talc contain asbestos. Thus, not only the asbestos miners but also miners of these minerals will suffer from asbestos exposure.
Shipyards:
Most components in ships such as hot water pipes, incinerator insulation, boilers and steam lines contain asbestos. Because asbestos is fireproof, chemical resistant, strong and flexible, it is commonly used in ship components. Therefore, shipyard workers are at high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. During World War II, asbestos was widespread and more than 4 million people worked in shipyards in the US alone. Also, the overhaul and destruction of old ships releases a lot of asbestos dust and is therefore very dangerous.
Railways:
Just like automobiles and ships, railroads also used asbestos in steam pipes, boilers, gaskets, brakes and clutches.
Steel mills:
Asbestos is expected to be present in the thermal insulation materials used in steel mills.
Oil refineries:
It is expected that many parts in the oil refineries will also asbest berlin contain asbestos as the rate of mesothelioma among refinery workers is very high.
While this gives us a solid understanding of how asbestos affects different areas of the workplace, it is not conclusive. It is important to exercise proper care and be vigilant to avoid exposure to asbestos.
