What to Do If You Accidentally Touch Asbestos?


Many jobs, especially in construction and mechanics, may involve working with or near asbestos fibres, which can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200,000 people worldwide lose their lives each year due to occupational asbestos exposure. This alarming number highlights the serious health risks associated with asbestos.

A] What is Asbestos, and What Does it Do to Your Body?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre found in rocks and soil. It has strong, long fibres and is highly heat-resistant, making it a popular choice for insulation and fireproofing in construction. However, when asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can reach the lower part of the lungs, potentially leading to serious health conditions, including:

  • Asbestosis
  • Fibrotic lung disease
  • Lung cancer
  • Mesothelioma
  • Pleural plaques
  • Pleural effusion

B] Short-Term V/S Long-Term Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos-related diseases usually develop after months or years of regular exposure, meaning a single instance of exposure is generally not a major risk. Short-term exposure is unlikely to cause illness unless it involves extreme levels, such as in a disaster. However, repeated short-term exposures can add up over time, increasing the risk.

On the other hand, long-term exposure to asbestos is much more dangerous and can lead to severe diseases. Factors like the length of exposure and the amount of asbestos fibres inhaled play a significant role in the development of asbestos-related illnesses. Most individuals who become sick have typically spent years working directly with asbestos.

C] Steps to Minimise Exposure if You Touch Asbestos 

If you’ve accidentally come into contact with asbestos, follow these steps to reduce further exposure:

  •         Stop touching the material and leave the area to prevent further exposure.
  •          Do not attempt to clean or remove asbestos yourself, as this can release more fibres into the air. Keep your distance and avoid moving the material.
  •         If your clothes were exposed, remove them gently and place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further contamination.
  •        Wash your hands and body thoroughly with soap and water. Taking a shower can help remove any fibres that may have settled on your skin or hair.
  •        The only safe way to clean the fibre dust is by using wet-cleaning methods and specialised HEPA vacuum cleaners operated by asbestos specialists.
  •        Close off the affected space and inform others nearby about the potential asbestos risk.
  •        Watch for any signs of asbestos-related health issues, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

It’s best to get in touch with asbestos removal experts who can assess the situation and safely manage the cleanup using proper safety measures.

D] Essential Tips for Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is a complex process that requires careful planning and strict safety measures. Sealing the affected area using 1000-gauge polyethylene sheeting, duct tape, and negative air pressure machines is advisable to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.

Asbestos removal is a specialised task that should only be performed by trained professionals. Regular vacuums, even those with HEPA filters, are not safe for this purpose. Experts have the necessary equipment and knowledge to ensure safe and effective removal.

Proper waste management is crucial. Asbestos materials should be packed in water-tight bags and clearly labelled as 'CAUTION-Hazardous Waste.' This process must be handled by certified specialists to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Attempting to remove asbestos without the right expertise can be extremely hazardous. Trusting professionals guarantees safer handling and reduces the risk of exposure.

While these measures are vital for safe removal, prevention is always preferable. Regular asbestos surveys can identify potential risks before they become a hazard. At Scopus, we offer UKAS-accredited testing, asbestos surveys, and comprehensive removal management. Our consultants provide support with risk assessments, survey data captures, and site audits to help you maintain a safe and compliant environment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Soil

Image
  Asbestos is widely recognized for its health hazards in buildings, but it can also pose a hidden danger beneath the ground. Asbestos contamination in soil is a serious concern for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you're planning a construction project, landscaping, or digging foundations, disturbing asbestos-tainted soil can result in severe health risks. If you come across, or even suspect, asbestos in the soil, it's crucial to approach the situation with care. This article will explain how asbestos contaminates soil, the dangers it presents, and the proper steps you need to take to ensure safety and legal compliance in the UK. How Does Asbestos End Up in Soil? Asbestos in soil often stems from past construction practices. Older buildings that were demolished without proper asbestos removal may have left contaminated debris buried on the site. Fly-tipping and historical industrial activities can also contribute to soil contamination. Common sources...
Read more

Things You Need to Know Before Working with Asbestos

Image
Although the use and import of asbestos were prohibited in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many buildings, particularly those built before the year 2000. In some cases, it may even be present in newer constructions and in places you wouldn’t typically expect. If you're carrying out work on a building’s structure, you could risk disturbing asbestos and inhaling its fibres can lead to serious health issues, including lung disease and cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the necessary safety measures and key facts before coming into contact with asbestos. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to help safeguard your health and livelihood while working around asbestos. A] What Workers are Most Likely to Come Across Asbestos?  Certain trades and professions carry a higher likelihood of encountering asbestos. If you’re working on the fabric of a building, the following tasks may expose you to potential risk: Maintenance or...
Read more

Why Professional Asbestos Removal Services Matter

Image
  Asbestos was once widely used in construction for its heat resistance and durability. However, we now understand that it poses serious health risks, especially when disturbed. If your property was built before 2000, there’s a strong chance it may contain asbestos in some form. Managing it safely isn’t just important, it’s essential for both health and legal reasons. This is where professional asbestos removal services come in. Hiring qualified experts not only protects the health of occupants and workers but also ensures all legal procedures are properly followed during any removal or renovation. The Dangers of Asbestos Asbestos is most hazardous when its fibres become airborne usually through damage, deterioration, or during building work. Breathing in these fibres can lead to serious, often fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These illnesses develop slowly, with symptoms often appearing decades after exposure. Attempting to remove asbestos without ...
Read more