Many companies, particularly those involved in construction, mining, demolition, and manufacturing, use Asbestos for various purposes. For instance, Asbestos is commonly used in construction and can be found in roofing shingles, ceilings, floor tiles, and even many cement products. The material is also used in automobile parts, including clutches, brakes, and transmissions.
The innate properties of Asbestos make it one of the most versatile materials for building and insulation. It is resistant to heat, wear and tear, and other chemicals, such as acids and alkalis. However, did you know that Asbestos harms the environment and comes with various health risks?
What is Asbestos, and Why is it Hazardous?
Chemically speaking, Asbestos is a fibrous silicate-based mineral that forms naturally in soil and rock. Due to its fibrous nature and resistance to heat and other chemicals, it finds various commercial uses. When handled or damaged, this naturally occurring mineral can split into hundreds of tiny pieces. The fumes, when breathed in, can cause lung cancer and other conditions, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Asbestos also poses a severe environmental threat as it is not biodegradable. The residues released into the air during mining, construction, and manufacturing remain suspended for prolonged periods, contaminating the water and soil as they settle down. What's worse? They can also be carried to other areas farther away from the contamination sites.
However, there are ways to control how it is used and minimize these risks.
How to Deal with the Harmful Effects of Asbestos
Asbestos is predominantly used in construction, especially cement and concrete products. It is also used for building insulation and as a fire retardant. However, due to its toxic nature, many countries are moving towards banning the use of asbestos products, and as many as 65 countries around the world have already imposed restrictions.
Construction workers are exposed to Asbestos almost every day and are at a greater risk of developing conditions like mesothelioma. In fact, Asbestos is found in virtually any building material, including paint, roof shingles, masonry compounds, and drywalls, not just cement and concrete. So, a ban is a sensible move.
However, there are other ways to deal with exposure. For instance, some types of Asbestos, such as chrysotile asbestos, are not only curved, soft, and flexible but also far less hazardous than others, such as amphiboles, and industries can consider using them.
Then, you also have sustainable ways of dealing with the Asbestos's hazardous effects. Although several methods are aimed at damage control, these techniques should help mitigate the risks for the most part.
Understanding Asbestos
A proper and thorough understanding of Asbestos, its uses, and its detrimental effects is necessary. Different types of Asbestos are associated with various risks and health hazards. So, it is essential to identify the type of Asbestos used and assess the risks involved before devising a mitigation plan.
Control Measures
Developing a well-thought-out plan and, more importantly, documenting it is crucial in the control process. Documentation should include a detailed risk assessment and the people responsible for the assessment and managing the risks associated with Asbestos.
Once the risks have been identified and documented, various control measures must be implemented to avoid exposure. Also, since Asbestos isn't biodegradable and doesn't decompose naturally, techniques like thermal decomposition, bioremediation, and other chemical treatments are needed to make it safe for recycling and disposal.
Regulation
Asbestos poses several risks to human health, which is why there is a need to regulate its use. Urging changes in regulations and ordinances regarding the use of Asbestos can help reduce its environmental impact. For instance, using alternative and sustainable materials to cover places that might contain Asbestos, such as gardens or yards, can be a part of such initiatives, which could help reverse some of the damage done and possibly even prevent further damage.
Moving Away from Hazardous Building Materials
Asbestos is a profound example of many such materials that are detrimental to the environment and health. So, it is in the best interests of governments to bring in initiatives to deal with the dangers associated with these materials. The future looks promising, though, as many countries have begun to crack down on using environmentally harmful Asbestos. Hopefully, the world will see more such initiatives in the future.
Category:Science and Innovation
