The Hidden Danger of Asbestos in the Workplace

SHORTOf BREATH THE HIDDEN DANGER OF ASBESTOS IN THE WORKPLACE Even though asbestos has been banned in the UK for decades, thousands upon thousands of us have spent long periods of time working in buildings and industrial spaces without sufficient protection. These days there are hundreds of new cases of Asbestosis - the lung condition that can occur after prolonged exposure - every year. Here we examine the key facts about who are most commonly affected, how it occurs and what they can do to protect their health. ASBESTOS IS... ASBESTOSIS IS... A soft, greyish-white material used in construction as fire protection insulation. A form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, characterised by scarring and inflammation of lung tissue. 980- 40 YEARS Every year there are almost 1000 new cases of Asbestosis. Asbestos was most commonly used from the late 1930s till the late 1970s. 3,000--30M At one time asbestos could be found in over 3,000 household appliances. 30m Ibs of asbestos will be used this year in the USA. That's just short of 14,000 metric tonnes. TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ASBESTOS AMOSITE CROCIDOLITE CHRYSOTILE Brown with needle like fibres, commonly used in insulating board, ceiling tiles, cement sheet and pipe insulation. Blue asbestos. Used to insulate steam engines, it's the most heat resistant, and dangerous. The most commonly used form of asbestos used in automobile brake linings, pipe insulation, gaskets and boiler seals. Banned in the 1980's Banned in the 1980's Banned in 1999 THE DANGERS Asbestosis symptoms can seriously affect daily life. Any complications can be fatal. ANNUAL STATISTICS 2291 2000 429 deaths from mesothelioma 2000 estimated asbestos deaths where related lung cancer deaths Asbestosis probably contributed THE SYMPTOMS Lung scarring from asbestos exposure can lead to: Shortness of breath Persistent cough Fatigue Laboured and rapid breathing Chest pain Swollen fingers WORKERS AT RISK The professions most strongly associated with asbestos exposure are: Insulation workers Plasterers Boilermakers Shipyard workers Sheet metal Plumbers, pipefitters & steamfitters Heating & refrigeration mechanics Chemical technicians workers TREATMENT There is no cure for Asbestosis once it has developed. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and develop breathing problems you should seek advice from your doctor immediately. Up to date vaccinations willI help protect your lungs from infections, like influenza. Certain medicines are available to help treat the symptoms, such as shortness of breath. But oxygen therapy and stopping smoking can help improve health, and limit risk of cancer. Johnson Law INJURY LAWYERS FIND OUT MORE If you are concerned about Asbestosis, you can find out more about the its causes, symptoms and treatments at http://www.johnson-law.co.uk/ Design: Bite Digital (www.biteus.net) Sources: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asbestosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/asbestos.htm http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/asbestosis/asbestosis.pdf http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-cancer/asbestos-facts-statistics.htm http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-cancer/asbestos-facts-statistics.htm#ixzz3FkMT76n9 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Asbestosis/Pages/Causes.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asbestosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/asbestos.htm Photo credits: Richard Camps, Yale Rosen, Stewart Butterfield