Asbestos is a natural fiber found in silicate. These are of six types. These fibers are heat-proof and provide resistance to chemicals. As a result, they prove to be very useful in industries and various other places. However, they also carry several health hazards. A person who regularly exposes himself to asbestos particles present in the air can develop several diseases. As a result, a well-defined plan on its use is important. Such plans are known as asbestos management plans.
Such plans are very important. This is because they can save one from various health complications. Also, they can save the environment in many ways.
Importance of Asbestos Management Plans
These plans contain details of the asbestos present in a building. It also contains details regarding the quality of the asbestos. The period when they were installed and the potential risks they carry; the plans contain everything. These help an organization to decide the future course of action.
Asbestos carries several health risks. Further, the risk increases as it gets older. Hence, it is important to carefully manage regularly. Even removing asbestos from the building involves great care. This is because if it gets damaged, it can release harmful particles into the air. Such harmful particles can cause serious health issues. Further, they also lead to air pollution.
What these plans should contain
The plan should have a register that would contain all the details of the asbestos present at the workplace. It should further contain the details of the maintenance work performed. This would also include a clearance certificate.
This certificate ensures that the maintenance work has been verified by an appropriate authority. The plan should clarify whether people are informed of the risk of exposure. It should clearly state the responsibilities of different persons in this regard.
Reasons for the health hazards that asbestos poses
Asbestos contains fiber particles. These particles also exist in the air surrounding the material. When it continuously enters the respiratory tract of a person for many years, it causes different types of diseases in the respiratory system.
However, one should understand that its exposure will not always lead to some type of disease. The previous health condition of the person also plays a major role. It also depends on the number of asbestos particles present in the air. Further, the degree of exposure also plays a major role.
Non-cancer diseases that asbestos fibers cause
There are several types of health hazards which it causes. Asbestosis is a type of lung disease. Continuous exposure to asbestos can lead you to inhale tiny asbestos fibers for a long time. Such exposure for years can lead to scarring in the lungs. In such a situation, air does not pass through the lungs easily. This leads to difficulty in breathing. Even worse is that you do not develop any symptoms before years have passed. Thus, you get to know of the disease only when it completely holds you in its shackles.
Another type of disease which it causes is a pleural disease. It brings changes in the structure of the pleura. The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the chest cavity and the lungs. People with severe changes in the membrane face difficulties in breathing.
Certain cancer diseases that asbestos fibers cause
These fibers are reasons for certain types of cancer. Years of continuous exposure to such fibers develop a tumor in the lung region. This blocks the air to enter the lung. This situation worsens if the person is a smoker. Thus, it leads to lung cancer.
Excessive exposure to such fibers can also lead to cancer in the pleura region. The development of such cancer refers to Mesothelioma. Apart from the above two, it may cause cancer in other regions like the pharynx and larynx.
Ways to avoid such diseases
The best way to avoid such life-threatening diseases is by minimizing exposure to asbestos. However, if one feels that he has contracted any such disease, he should visit a doctor. The doctor would examine the body. Accordingly, he can suggest some solution.
However, one should keep in mind that once you develop such a disease, you cannot eradicate it. Still, you can always take measures to slow down its growth.
