We are exposed to many harmful substances in our daily lives. Some of these do not have severe effects, while others may seriously threaten human health. One of these substances that can pose a severe threat is asbestos.
Asbestos, a substance used in almost all areas today, can cause severe problems if necessary precautions are unavailable. So what is asbestos, and how dangerous is it? Which precautions can avoid its effects? We have brought together all the answers for you in this article.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is known as the best insulation material and is a fibrous mineral. Asbestos, used in more than 3000 areas today, occurs naturally.
Asbestos, which has a very high resistance to heat, is also potent in terms of tensile strength. Contructionists can use it in the production of fire protective vests by adding to the structure of the fabric or in building insulation by adding it to the cement.
It has been banned by more than 50 countries today, as it can severely harm human health. There are six types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, tremolite, crocidolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.
Asbestos, which enters the body through breathing or drinking water, can cause various diseases, especially cancer. It is in the 1st group in the list of carcinogenic substances published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Occupational exposure is high as it is used in many different fields. For this reason, there are regulations in many countries.
Our country has a regulation called "Regulation on Safety and Health Precautions in Working with Asbestos". In this regulation, measures to be taken to prevent asbestos exposure are specified. So how dangerous is asbestos exposure, and what diseases can it cause?
How Dangerous Is Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure has a wide range of diseases, especially cancer. Workers face exposure to asbestos during renovation or demolition. Because asbestos fibers emerge during demolition and can remain suspended in the air for a very long time. It is possible to list the harms of asbestos exposure to human health and the diseases that may arise as follows:
- Sores can form on the lung membranes, and these sores cause lung tenderness. This disease is called asbestosis.
- Breathing in asbestos-containing environments damages the lungs.
- In case of skin contact, wounds may occur.
- Mesothelioma, known as lung membrane and peritoneal cancer, can occur from asbestos exposure. This disease, which manifests in shortness of breath, can be diagnosed by tomography or chest x-ray. S. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is treated, but it is a disease that can lead to death at advanced levels.
- Diseases can occur ten years or even 20 years after asbestos exposure.
- Calcifications may occur in the joints.
- Additionally, water may collect between the lung membranes, thickening of the lung membrane may occur, and tissue destruction may occur in the lung structure.
- People exposed to asbestos for a long time and people who smoke have a much greater risk of contracting the disease.
- Cancers of the larynx, lung and digestive system may occur.
It is enough to look at the list above to understand how harmful asbestos is to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to take the required precautions in environments where there is a possibility of asbestos exposure.
How can we prevent Asbestos Damage?
Although asbestos is a very harmful substance, people can take measures to eliminate its harmful effects. We can list these measures as follows:
- In environments where asbestos is present, workers must take all safety precautions to protect themselves from it and act consciously.
- Informing the workers about the disease is essential for precautions.
- People should avoid settlements in areas where asbestos is present, and those in these areas should use respiratory masks.
If people can practice all these precautions, they will minimize the adverse effects of asbestos. At the same time, people exposed to asbestos regularly must undergo the necessary examinations and controls.