What Should I Do If I Discover Asbestos in My Workplace?

Asbestos is a silent threat in most workplaces, particularly very old facilities. Although one might see dust and debris, asbestos fibers are frequently hidden from view behind ceilings, walls, and insulation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 200,000 fatalities caused by occupational exposure to asbestos.

This highlights that all asbestos-containing materials pose a public health threat. To avoid exposure, you must understand the immediate actions to take by assessing the risks associated with it. Let’s learn what to do if exposed to asbestos in this detailed guide.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of thin, needle-like fibers. The National Minerals Information Center classifies six types of asbestos: amosite, anthophyllite asbestos, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, and actinolite. This mineral was once known for its strength and resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Many also used asbestos for building materials like insulation, ceiling tiles, cement sheets, and floor tiles, especially in homes built before the 1990s. 

While these materials are safe when intact, they become dangerous when disturbed or damaged during renovation, demolition, or wear and tear over time.

The real threat from asbestos lies in its tiny fibers that become airborne when materials are broken. These fibers, invisible to the naked eye, can be inhaled easily, affecting the lungs. Over the years, this can cause irreversible damage, including diseases like mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer), lung cancer, and asbestosis (a chronic lung condition). Since symptoms take decades to appear, many people remain unaware of the exposure until it’s too late.

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What to Do if Exposed to Asbestos?

If you find yourself exposed and inhaling disturbed asbestos within your organization or at home, don’t panic. You can follow a few immediate steps to minimize its effects, which are: 

Step 1. Act Quickly and Move Away

Respond swiftly and ask everyone in your vicinity to move away from the contaminated area. You can easily minimize the risk of inhaling harmful fibers if you follow all the rules and regulations. Make sure to call emergency services if you feel anything is wrong. They can quickly analyze the situation and take immediate measures to remove the asbestos safely.

Step 2. Change and Dispose of Contaminated Clothing

Remove your clothing carefully to avoid spreading fibers. You can also place them inside a sealed bag, if possible. Do not shake or dust off the clothes because this can release asbestos fibers  into the air. Treat the clothing as hazardous waste and follow local disposal guidelines. You may also try to contact a certified asbestos removal service for further assistance. 

Step 3. Wash Exposed Skin and Hair 

Rinse your skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water to remove any asbestos fibers. If you cannot find a shower, use whatever means you can, such as a hose. This will help you immediately wash off the residue from your body, especially your hands. 

Step 4. Avoid Creating Contamination 

Never shake your clothing or disturb the contaminated area in any further way. Doing so may release more asbestos fibers in the air and anybody who inhales them will be exposed to health risks into the future. 

Step 5. Practice Preventative Measures

If you are residing in a place or working in an organization that hasn’t had an asbestos assessment yet, wear a mask and cover up your arms and legs. Proper asbestos abatement is the key to safely removing asbestos materials. This helps you prevent the release of hazardous fibers into the air.

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Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a major physical hazard and is often linked to several serious and fatal health conditions. When asbestos fibres are inhaled or ingested, they can get stuck in the lungs or abdominal tissues and cause long-term damage.

On that note, here are some common health risks associated with asbestos exposure: 

Mesothelioma

It is a rare cancer type that usually develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This condition is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that occurs due to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. It often leads to scarring of lung tissue. Sometimes, it also causes shortness of breath. This, in turn, increases the risk of lung infections.

Lung Cancer

Long-term exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially among smokers. This cancer often develops decades after the initial exposure. Symptoms may include persistent coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Pleural Thickening

This condition involves thickening and hardening of the pleura (lining of the lungs). In worst scenarios, pleural thickening can restrict lung function and cause chest pain or discomfort.

Ovarian and Laryngeal Cancer

The WHO classifies asbestos as a carcinogen linked to cancers of the ovary and larynx as well. Studies have shown that women exposed to asbestos, even indirectly, have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Similarly, asbestos fibres can settle in the voice box and lead to chronic irritation. Over time, it may also cause cancer of the larynx.

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion refers to the abnormal collection of fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. It is often considered a precursor to more serious conditions.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Though not directly caused by asbestos, long-term exposure can aggravate or contribute to the development of COPD. It leads to persistent breathing difficulties and also worsens over time with continued fiber inhalation.

Clubbed Fingers (Digital Clubbing)

Prolonged asbestos exposure may lead to clubbing, a condition where the tips of the fingers become enlarged and the nails curve around them. This often indicates reduced oxygen in the blood due to compromised lung function.

Prevention and Safety Tips for Asbestos Exposure

Not everyone knows what to do if exposed to asbestos. That is why it is recommended to alert people near you, including the overall community to prevent exposure to the toxic substance. This involves following top prevention and safety tips, as mentioned below:

Notify Others and Vacate the Area

If you suspect or confirm the presence of asbestos, immediately inform those around you and evacuate the area. Limiting movement in the space reduces the chances of disturbing the fibers and prevents them from spreading through the air.

Do Not Disturb the Material

Never attempt to clean, scrape, or remove materials that may contain asbestos. Even a slight disturbance can release harmful fibres into the air. 

Seal Off the Contaminated Area

Close off the affected room or space using plastic sheeting or tape, if it’s safe to do so. This helps prevent airborne asbestos from contaminating other areas in the building until professionals arrive.

Contact Certified Asbestos Professionals

Only trained and licensed asbestos removal experts should assess and handle the situation. They have the equipment and knowledge to safely manage, seal, or remove the material in compliance with health and safety laws.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear protective gear such as disposable coveralls, gloves, and an N95 or higher-rated mask if you have to be near any suspected material. Proper PPE helps minimize direct exposure.

Avoid Using HVAC Systems

Turn off any fans, air conditioners, or heating systems. These can circulate asbestos fibers throughout your home or office, worsening the exposure. Keeping heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems off helps limit airborne contamination. This also makes cleanup safer and more contained.

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Get Certified and Prevent Asbestos Exposure

The prevalence of asbestos can only be prevented by knowing the best tips and tricks to get rid of it. Of course, the first step would be to call an emergency response team to analyze and clean the contaminated area. However, you and your family members and colleagues must also know what to do if exposed to asbestos in emergencies. The best way to learn about its exposure and prevention is to enroll in an OSHA Asbestos Awareness Training course. This allows you to learn more about asbestos, the health risks it poses, and the preventive measures to overcome it. 

References

• https://www.osha.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-find-asbestos

• https://www.government.nl/topics/asbestos/question-and-answer/step-by-step-plan-asbestos

• https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos