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MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF SOIL CONTAMINATION BY ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral in soil made up of tiny fibers. When disturbed, it produces a dust containing asbestos fibers. Inhaling these asbestos moso bambusparkett fibers can cause a variety of health complications. However, the asbestos fibers only pose a health risk if they become airborne, otherwise asbestos does not necessarily pose a health threat if it is not touched.

A majority of people who have developed asbestos-related diseases have typically worked in places or workplaces where they have been continuously exposed to asbestos and have ended up inhaling large amounts of asbestos fibers. For example, construction and farm workers may have engaged in unsafe practices in the past.

The main diseases associated with exposure to asbestos fibers include:

  1. Mesothelioma: This is a type of cancer that affects the human pleura, lung envelope and chest wall, and diaphragm. It could also develop into a serious condition several decades after exposure to asbestos fibers.
    1. Asbestosis: A progressive scar tissue that develops in the lungs and affects breathing.
    1. Lung cancer: Similar to mesothelioma, it can develop several decades after exposure. People with asbestosis and smokers are most susceptible.
    1. Pleural plaques: These are thickened patches of scar tissue on the lining of the lungs.

Governments around the world are implementing various measures to reduce the hazards posed by exposure to asbestos fibers. For example, the Western Australia State Department of Health administers the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 under the Health Care Act 1911. These Asbestos Regulations set the rules for all persons involved in the removal and disposal, including the sale and re-use, of asbestos materials.

Bound Asbestos Vs. Fibrous Asbestos

In floors, asbestos poses a huge health risk, especially when someone works with and near those floors. Generally, asbestos soil contamination is found in two forms, fibrous and bonded asbestos. The bound type of asbestos is, on average, low risk as the fibers are part of a larger block and consequently cannot be inhaled. The fibrous asbestos type is the one that poses a high risk. These are the loose asbestos fibers that lie around in the floors and could easily become airborne and inhaled if there is a disturbance.

Dealing with asbestos-contaminated soil

Although the harmful effects of continued use of asbestos have been well documented, there are still products that could still pose a hazard as they may contain elements of asbestos. An illustrative point is the United States, where, although the majority of asbestos-containing products are banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency, unfortunately hundreds of older products still exist. In addition, some new products may still contain asbestos, such as B. Soil retention enhancers, especially vermiculite.

  1. The most recommended method of dealing with asbestos-contaminated floors is to simply leave them completely undisturbed.
    1. If the floors need to be moved, it is important to keep these floors moist to reduce the chance of fiber becoming airborne.
    1. During the removal, make sure that the construction site workers put on suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).

Asbestos Removal Company has managed contaminated soils with notable success. As Senior Site Manager, Wade Rogers is very familiar with the legal requirements. moso bambusparkett He ensures that Asbestos Removal Company provides you with quality work. Visit our website for more ideas and information on asbestos soil contamination.

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