It’s completely normal to worry about asbestos. But isn’t it better to take action than to regret its consequences? Asbestos can cause long-term damage to the lungs. Although asbestos is rare in buildings constructed after 2000, It still exists in many old buildings and products. So, how to stop worrying about asbestos? The best way to remove your asbestos anxiety is to learn about its effects and management practices. This blog will turn your asbestos fears into solutions. It will cover information about the main types of asbestos and their associated risks. Again, you’ll identify the various occupations at high risk for asbestos and understand how to protect everyone from exposure.
Table of Contents
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material. It’s present in residential and commercial properties. Meanwhile, asbestos is used for insulation and as a fire retardant. However, inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the body. The fibres can increase the risk of many serious diseases. For example, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
So, how dangerous is asbestos? People can get exposed to asbestos in their homes and workplaces, where disturbed asbestos releases fibres into the air. However, one exposure to asbestos is not a significant risk, except when toxic dust clouds the air. Moreover, individuals get affected by asbestos-related diseases by months and years of prolonged exposure.
The Main Types of Asbestos
There are six common types of asbestos in the United Kingdom. There are different minerals with shared traits.
White Asbestos
White asbestos, also known as chrysotile, is the most commonly used type of asbestos. It’s used in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. Moreover, manufacturers use chrysotile in several products, such as brake linings, insulation for pipes and ducts, and other industrial uses.
Chrysotile belongs to the serpentine mineral group. It’s made up of curly fibres. This shape makes it easier to breathe. Thus, it causes less damage to the lungs compared to other asbestos.
Crocidolite
Also known as blue asbestos, Crocidolite helps insulate steam engines. It’s also used in spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, plastics, and cement products. However, Crocidolite is one of the most dangerous types of asbestos. The fibres in Crocidolite are short and sharp and cause long-term damage when breathed in. As a result, it was banned in the UK in 1970.
Amosite or Brown Asbestos
The use of amosite in the United Kingdom is widespread. It’s commonly used in cement sheets and pipe insulation. Brown asbestos is also found in insulating boards, ceiling tiles, and thermal insulation products. Amosite fibres are sharp, brittle, and coarser than chrysotile. In addition, exposure to this asbestos leads to a higher risk of cancer compared to chrysotile asbestos.
Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite is used in limited amounts for insulation products. It is a contaminant in white asbestos. Again, it is found in vermiculite and talc. Anthophyllite is grey, green or white. It’s an amphibole mineral which creates a needle-like cluster that punctures tissues and sticks in the lungs like barbs when inhaled.
Tremolite
Tremolite is brown, white, green, grey, or transparent and can be found in chrysotile asbestos, talc, and some vermiculite products. It creates short needle prisms and is often combined with the curly fibres of chrysolite.
Actinolite
Actinolite is similar to tremolite. It can also be white, green, grey, or transparent in colour and can exist in similar circumstances. Actinolite is primarily dark green. Again, it’s rarer than other asbestos but forms the same needle-like crystals as amosite, tremolite, anthophyllite and Crocidolite.
What Occupations Are at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Exposure to asbestos can lead to the rise of different diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Let’s look at different occupations that are at high risk of being exposed to asbestos:
Teachers
Buildings that were built before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. As a result, teachers and students who work and study in old buildings may get exposed to asbestos. According to UK legislation, asbestos-containing materials are managed at schools so that they pose little or no risks to students and employees. However, people can only become exposed when asbestos-containing materials are directly disturbed.
Hospital Staff
Many healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are at risk of asbestos. One reason is the asbestos-lagged pipes housed under the ground floor. In addition, patients and staff who are inherently occupying older buildings may have contact with harmful asbestos. As a result, the HSE has put different regulations in place to manage asbestos effectively.
Construction Workers
Asbestos is used in many older building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. For instance, asbestos fibres are still used in roofing and flooring elements. When construction workers come in direct contact with the elements and no asbestos surveys or registers are provided, they are at greater risk of asbestos exposure.
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Plumbers/Electricians/Home Improvement Workers
Different pipe systems, tanks, ducts, wrap insulation and other elements are made from asbestos fibres. Cutting the pipes to specific lengths and sizes can result in disturbed asbestos. Thus, plumbers, electricians and many other home improvement workers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases than other professions.
Firefighters/Emergency Services
Firefighters and other emergency service workers who work near areas with asbestos are at high risk of exposure. When a building has asbestos and is on fire, the particles become airborne. Therefore, firefighters are at greater risk of asbestos while extinguishing fires in older buildings.
How to Stop Worrying About Asbestos?
Worrying about asbestos, also known as asbestos anxiety, can never be the solution. You must be aware of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials to avoid work that may disturb asbestos and stay safe from exposure. The Asbestos Awareness Training from CourseGate can teach you about asbestos and the management methods to prevent exposure to harmful materials.
Let’s look into some common facts about asbestos and what you can do to eliminate your asbestos anxiety:
Asbestos Always Causes a Risk
Many people say asbestos is present in their property. However, the presence of asbestos should not be the cause of fear. So, is asbestos dangerous when not disturbed? The answer is yes. People only get affected when asbestos is disturbed or damaged. Disturbed asbestos fibres get discharged into the air and lodged into lung tissues when inhaled. Therefore, as long as you don’t disturb asbestos, you’re safe!
Single Exposure to Asbestos is Rarely Fatal
No amount of asbestos exposure for any fibre type is considered safe. Thus, people should always be cautious about inhaling toxic dust. However, single exposure to asbestos doesn’t cause a significant risk. Asbestos-related diseases are common among people experiencing high levels of repeated exposure. Plumbers, construction workers and manufacturers are at high risk of asbestos exposure.
There are Low Amounts of Asbestos in Ambient Air
Recent studies show fewer asbestos fibres in ambient air now than before. Since ambient asbestos is of lower quality, it’s unlikely that people will suffer from asbestos-induced complications from this exposure.
Asbestos is Fairly Uncommon in Modern Materials
Asbestos was used in construction projects in Britain. As people became more aware of asbestos and its consequences, the use of blue and brown asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1985. Again, in 1999, the United Kingdom banned all types of asbestos. However, asbestos is still present in buildings built before 2000 and in different commercial properties.
Asbestos is Only Dangerous When it is Disturbed
Asbestos can cause a health risk when it’s disturbed. In most cases, people in direct contact with asbestos-containing materials get harmed. For instance, those working in construction without proper safety equipment get exposed to asbestos. People are more likely to get exposed to asbestos while doing building repair or renovation tasks. So, how to stop worrying about asbestos? The answer is as long as the asbestos source is undamaged, there’s little or no risk.
Asbestos can be Identified and Safely Removed by Experts
Asbestos doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. If you are suffering from asbestos anxiety and wondering how to stop worrying about asbestos, here’s great news for you. Asbestos can be handled and removed by trained professionals. They can safely remove asbestos from your home or workplace in a few appointments. As we have discussed in this article, asbestos exposure only occurs due to disturbed asbestos. Thus, if you suspect a material is made with asbestos and is in good condition, leave it as it is.
Here’s what you can do:
- Wear a respirator and visually inspect the product to identify any damage.
- No matter the amount, asbestos requires professional handling. Therefore, hire licensed asbestos abatement professionals to dispose of any asbestos product.
- Besides, the area should be enclosed and barricaded to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing material.
Get your Home or Workplace Inspected for Asbestos
You may have spent many sleepless nights thinking about whether your home or workplace has asbestos. So, how to stop worrying about asbestos? Well, asbestos needs to be verified by lab tests. If you suspect that your home or commercial property may have asbestos, hire a professional to perform the test. Experienced surveyors can take samples of the alleged asbestos-containing material (ACM) to check for the presence of asbestos. Afterwards, they will provide recommendations for your next course of action. The actions may include carefully disposing of the product or safely managing it to remain undisturbed.
Conclusion
Asbestos is the cause of many workplace deaths in the UK. Awareness of asbestos and its consequences is vital for your safety from exposure. In this blog, we have discussed what asbestos is and the main types of asbestos. In addition, we have outlined the occupations at high risk of exposure and explained how to stop worrying about asbestos. By increasing your awareness, you can better protect yourself and others from the harmful effects of asbestos and alleviate any anxiety from asbestos.
FAQ
What to do if Exposed to Asbestos?
If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, avoid disturbing the material further. Leave the area immediately and avoid touching anything that is contaminated. Inform your employer or the property owner so they can contact the professional asbestos removal specialists. Meanwhile, consult your GP for health advice and potential monitoring, especially if you experience shortness of breath or a persistent cough.
What Does Asbestos Feel Like to Touch?
Generally, asbestos is not something you should touch due to its various health risks. However, you may wonder what happens if you touch asbestos. So, if you do encounter it, asbestos materials can feel fibrous and slightly crumbly. In its raw form, it may resemble coarse wool. Again, it can be more rigid if it’s part of insulation or building material.
How Dangerous is Asbestos in the UK?
Asbestos is hazardous in the UK. It can cause severe health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The UK has strict regulations about asbestos use and removal. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and undisturbed, they pose less risk. But, damaged or disturbed asbestos can release harmful fibres into the air. These fibres are hazardous when breathed in. Professional handling and removal are vital to managing those risks.
What is Asbestos OCD?
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a mental health condition. It is characterised by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). When it comes to asbestos, individuals with OCD may develop a greater fear of contamination or exposure to asbestos, even if the risk is minimal or non-existent. But, a mental health professional can provide appropriate treatment. For instance, they can provide cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication, to manage their OCD asbestos symptoms.
September 10, 2024
