Asbestos, a naturally occurring substance, is unfortunately present in many Sydney homes. The fact is especially true of those homes that were made between the 1950s and 1980s here. During the post-World War II era, much older architecture was demolished, and many high-rise buildings came into place. If you think your home might contain this harmful substance, you should consider looking for Asbestos Removal in Sydney. Such a removal service can be availed of at affordable prices. Moreover, the experts carry out the asbestos removal according to the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice 2011.
Here are some critical aspects of asbestos exposure that you should know.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is six naturally occurring minerals. The minerals are heat and fire-resistant. It is a thin fibrous crystal, and each one of its fibres is made of billions of microscopic fibrils. Their tiny and minute nature poses a problem. When the materials that have asbestos are disturbed, people are prone to inhaling or swallowing airborne fibres. It is called asbestos exposure.
Asbestos exposure leads to severe health problems, like lung cancer, asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma.
How Is Asbestos Dangerous for the Health?
According to a Rubbish Removal Campbelltown expert, asbestos becomes dangerous when its fibres turn airborne and this is why it needs to be removed by experts with experience, knowledge and the appropriate equipment. Those fibres might embed in the tissue and lead to scarring and irritation over a specific period. It, in turn, causes cancer and other health issues.
People who get exposed to asbestos usually do not experience any signs until many years later. Several diseases don’t become apparent for as long as ten years after asbestos exposure. In fact, diseases like mesothelioma can take around four decades to develop fully. In Australia and its cities like Sydney, between 1982 and 2009, 11,667 people were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Out of them, 85 percent of patients were men. Every year from 2003 onward, close to 600 cases of malignant mesothelioma gets reported in this city.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure – What Is It?
Occupational asbestos exposure happens when workers get exposed to this harmful mineral on their job sites. The World Health Organization reveals that over 125 million people are exposed to this toxic substance every year while on their work-related tasks.
Such workers are highly prone to developing diseases related to asbestos. In the years between 1999 to 2015, an estimated 45,221 people lost their lives from mesothelioma. Various industries make their workers highly prone to asbestos exposure. Some of these industries include construction, shipbuilding, and oil refining. High-risk occupations include those who are involved in producing, installing, and removing asbestos products.
The workers who are performing maintenance on machinery also have a risk of exposure. Other than them, first responders like firefighters also are highly prone to asbestos exposure.
Major Products That Contain Asbestos
Asbestos was a common substance that was extensively utilized in products from the early 1900s till the 1970s. However, many products today are also manufactured with slight amounts of this substance. Some everyday products that contain asbestos are construction materials, certain automotive parts, and insulation.
When products containing this substance are not disturbed, they don’t pose any immediate danger. However, if you are planning to purchase a home, it’s best to first think about Asbestos Removal in Sydney and contact asbestos removal experts who can detect and handle a diverse range of asbestos-related jobs. This step on your part will prove to be much beneficial in helping you remain healthy and free of any ailments.
