As you may have already seen, we have talked about in depth about Why Asbestos is Dangerous, but we thought we would give you a quick refresh.
Asbestos was used in the building trade in the 20th century for many decades, because of its resistance to chemical reactions, fire and heat. Because of this, it was incorporated into many a building material, including floor tiles, ceiling materials, roofing shingles and textile products, to name but a few.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mixture of six fibrous minerals that occur naturally. These are crocidolite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, amosite, actinolite and chrysotile. They are microscopic fibres that, when bundled together, make asbestos extremely durable.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos microscopic fibres are so small that they can easily be inhaled, and it is here that lies the problem. Once inhaled, these rigid fibres attach to the lining of the lungs, becoming lodged within the respiratory system’s soft tissues, and can’t break down – nor can the body get rid of them. This then plays host to major health complications in life later on, including: cancer, asbestosis and non-malignant pleural disease, amongst others.
Even though asbestos became completely illegal from 2000, there are still today many buildings that have asbestos in them. However, unless you have gone digging around and disturbing the asbestos and come in direct contact with it, then it shouldn’t have an affect upon you. But those that worked with and alongside asbestos are more likely to potentially contract the diseases associated with it.
Sadly though, if you live or lived with someone who worked with or alongside asbestos, then you may also be vulnerable to contracting an asbestos related disease. How? Well, the asbestos fibres can attach to the clothing of the person working with asbestos, and be brought home.
The World Health Organisation has reported that asbestos kills more than 100,000 every year, and is still being used in building materials in developing countries.
Closer to home, it has recently been drawn to our attention that Scotland has the highest number of cases. This totals 175 (in 2014) people contracting the deadly mesothelioma cancer, due to exposure to asbestos. It has even been proclaimed that Scotland is a “ticking time bomb” when it comes to the number of asbestos related-illnesses developing rapidly to this day, according to BBC News.
The main reason for the sudden development of numerous asbestos-related illnesses is down to the buildings that people have either worked in, lived in or been taught in. The UK overall has a higher number of people suffering from mesothelioma, because as a country the UK was later than other countries in restricting and banning the use of asbestos.
Working alongside asbestos
Thankfully, as previously stated, it is now illegal to use asbestos in the UK, and if you have to work alongside asbestos then you have to be specially trained, have the correct clothing, and have strict and specialist health and safety measures in place, plus a licence.
Here at SAMS we have all the asbestos courses for you to become fully qualified in dealing with asbestos. We are also able to offer you your asbestos licence once you have completed and passed your course, helping to give you and your customers peace of mind that you can handle asbestos safely.
For more information, take a look at our Asbestos Management course or get in touch today to talk over the asbestos licence.