Asbestos is a ‘silent’ killer and worrying statistics show that every week approximately 20 tradesmen in the UK die due to coming into contact with asbestos fibres and materials. Amazingly, asbestos is the highest cause of work-related deaths here in the UK and feel that it’s very much underestimated by many. Asbestos can take up to a staggering 40 years to be recognised and diagnosed.
Asbestos is horrific if when humans are exposed to the fibres. Most unfortunately, asbestos related diseases are not known until years later, and there is no cure to remove or stop asbestos related diseases from spreading. People whom come into contact with asbestos contaminated materials will more than likely contract Mesothelioma, which is a type of deadly cancer.
Secondary Asbestos
Asbestos related diseases can even be contracted from a secondary source; if a person comes into contact with asbestos fibres, for example, on a construction site, asbestos fibres that can cling to clothes can then be taken home. That really is a scary thought – a member of your family could be exposed to asbestos through someone who has come into contact with asbestos fibres, whilst at work for example.
There are thousands of cases whereby family members develop a secondary asbestos disease—a prime example being that of wives shaking and beating their husband’s asbestos contaminated, dusty overalls prior to putting them in the washing machine.
Men who primarily worked in industries such as mining, construction, plumbing, ship-building and electrical were the most likely to contract or even pass on asbestos fibres when they returned home.
This is why it’s so important to make sure the correct protective clothing is used when working with asbestos and that family members are aware that your clothes can pass on asbestos fibres that have been picked up whilst at work.
Asbestos and 9/11
Recently, there has been a report from New York, as people are terrified of the fact they may have Mesothelioma later on in life after the 9/11 attack. Survivors will not know till later on whether or not they have an asbestos related disease; they live in fear due to the apparent asbestos toxic dust cloud that appeared once the buildings had struck the ground.
Unfortunately, there will be many living in the fear of contracting an asbestos related disease, which after what happened is un-comprehendible. It really must be one big nightmare and for people who weren’t there in New York on that day are the lucky ones and perhaps we don’t think about the aftermath and potential diseases that can be contracted by the fallen buildings.
Preventing Asbestos
In part, it’s nigh on impossible for all asbestos contaminated materials to be completely eradicated. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of people contracting asbestos related disease whether primary or secondary, but some cases i.e. survivors of 9/11 coming into contact with asbestos can not be avoided.
How to minimise risks:- Ensure protective clothing is worn at all times and once home, put straight into the wash.
- Workers should make sure that the correct asbestos removal procedures are carried out – no matter how experienced
- Make the public more aware of the risks, dangers and facts in regards to asbestos and the related diseases
- Invest heavily into researching asbestos and to identify the early signs of asbestos
Summary
Asbestos can take up to 40 years to become apparent and every week approximately 20 tradesmen in the UK die due to coming into contact with asbestos fibres and materials. People need to therefore, be made more aware of asbestos in terms of how it can affect people in the long-term.
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License: Image author owned 
License: Image author owned 
License: Image author owned
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