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ARI Blog: Article

Asbestos Remediation Tips


Although the respiratory hazards surrounding asbestos were well known after the 1930s, just about every industry used asbestos well into the 1970s. At this time, the government finally began to limit its use.


Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma prognosis. Most people are exposed through inhaling airborne asbestos fibers after asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed. In the majority of cases, people have no idea that they’ve inhaled asbestos.


Occupational guidelines and laws are now in place to avoid asbestos, but unfortunately, exposure still occurs. Here are five tips to help you avoid exposure:


Wear a mask: Employees who work in an environment where exposure is a constant threat must wear safety equipment. For example, anyone who works for an asbestos abatement company must wear a self-contained breathing apparatus designed to protect against gases, dust, and toxic substances – such as a mask with a HEPA filter. Unfortunately, workers in other jobs that do not expose them to as much asbestos do not typically wear masks.


Wash clothes: Workers exposed to asbestos should not wear or bring their work clothes home until washed. If you must clean them at home and your company does not provide cleaning facilities, place your clothes into a bag and change into clothes not contaminated with asbestos. It’s important to rinse your clothes before washing them with soap because wet asbestos fibers cannot become airborne. Historically, washing clothes with asbestos has been a primary, secondary exposure source that can develop the disease.


Shower: Asbestos fibers can travel home after attaching to your skin and hair. That’s why it’s essential to shower after your workday is over. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires companies that perform asbestos abatement activities to have showering facilities or a rinsing station at the job site.


Proper abatement: It’s easy to take shortcuts when trying to finish a construction project, but skipping safety procedures when working with asbestos is not the time to do so. Make sure you’re taking all the steps to avoid exposure, including wetting materials, sealing off the area, and wearing a mask to prevent the inhalation of asbestos fibers.


Please make yourself aware: One of the best things you can do to prevent exposure is to become more educated about the standard locations for asbestos and which products are likely to contain them. If you can identify or suspect the presence of asbestos, you’ll be more likely to take all safety precautions.

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