Asbestos is a widely mined natural mineral having microscopic fibers that are used for building over 3000 different products for centuries. It is also named as the miracle mineral because of its resistance to heat, chemical reactions and durability. Its extensive use includes the building of ships and insulation of wood and floors using sprayed chemicals on walls and ceilings. However, there have been researches and evidence that its use has caused mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer where fibers line around the heart of the lung, causing breathing issues. Other related diseases include asbestosis and non-malignant pleural thickening diseases. However, lung cancer and this disease can happen if asbestos is breathed through the air.
Most people at risk include carpenters, shipbuilders, electricians, asbestos miners, painters, and plumbers. Since the 1930s because of the easy extraction of asbestos from mines, its extensive use in bathrooms, ships, engine, and boiler rooms has put many construction workers, homeowners, and people from others walks of life at increasing risk of lung cancer, and its inability to be treated. Although there is medication present, it is hard to get a full relieve from either lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Because the use of asbestos can cause life-threatening diseases, there are strict laws and regulations on how it is handled. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the EPA, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide no safe level of use unless individuals are certified to mine, or use asbestos. As per experts and research statistics, over 3,000 cases of asbestosis are registered in the US every year, while the UK has one of the highest mesothelioma cases of any country. Men aged 65 or above and women aged 68 or above are more susceptible to death. 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases are men, and the rate of deaths for women in recent years has consistently risen. Hence, it alarming to see the rate of deaths caused by mesothelioma quadruple in the past three decades – HSE Asbestos
Some possible safety precautions for removal and use include applying facemask and adherence to guidance to avert any damages. Only trained professionals (like the ones who carry out asbestos removal kansas) should be allowed to take samples of any indication of asbestos, and the samples should be sent to labs immediately. Because asbestos can easily be distributed by air, dusting or using high-powered vacuum cleaners is not recommended, and wet rags should be used instead.
Additionally, waste should be double bagged, and only licensed contractors should be allowed to carry out construction and repairs work using any form of asbestos.
Smart Asbestos Solutions is a leading asbestos removal company based in the southeast of the UK, covering London, Essex & Kent.