Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Prevention of Asbestosis

It is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of any buildings. However, this substance was used extensively in the past. As long it remains in good condition it is not a great threat, but if it is disturbed or damaged the fibres will be released. They may then be breathed into the lungs of occupants of the building, especially of people working with the substance, for example drilling holes into walls or removing old insulation. Therefore, precautions should always be taken if the presence of asbestos is suspected.

If you are having asbestos removed from your house or place of work, keep exposure to a minimum. No level of exposure is completely safe, so make sure that people who are not working on the removal do not come into contact with the dust.

Asbestosis can be prevented by effective dust control in the workplace. Recommended measures include forced-draught ventilation, the use of effective masks and total avoidance of smoking. 

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