Asbestos Audit

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PRIMARY ASBESTOS EXPOSURE vs SECONDARY ASBESTOS EXPOSURE

Asad Khan

TYPES OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE

During the 20th Century, the British Public was exposed to Asbestos in three primary ways -

  • Occupational and Industrial Exposures

  • Environmental and Local Exposure

  • Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Occupational and Industrial Exposures

Asbestos exposure is still common across the U.K. Asbestos was used in the construction sector to make insulation, pipe lagging, boarding, roofing, flooring, and ceiling materials. Most occupational workers in the sector were not aware or informed of the need to use personal protective equipment like respirators or coveralls. Anyone handling, cutting, and fitting these Asbestos materials were potentially exposed to lethal fibres.

Environmental and Local Exposures

Environmental exposure is the term used by health professionals to describe what happens to people who live and are exposed close to construction or renovation projects or spend time in public buildings that contain or used to contain Asbestos.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Family members of Asbestos workers were frequently affected by second-hand Asbestos exposure. People were initially exposed to Asbestos at work, and they unknowingly carried Asbestos fibres into the home on their bodies, cloths and tools and their loved ones were exposed. The frequency of secondary Asbestos exposure has decreased throughout the years as more precautions have come into place. Before Asbestos restrictions were implemented in the 1970s, this form of exposure was more widespread and relatively common.

Nature-based asbestos deposits

Although not strictly speaking of within the UK exposure to Asbestos Fibres can come via living close to naturally existing Asbestos deposits. Even if they are not actively mined, rocky materials that contain Asbestos can naturally deteriorate and release the material into the air, water, and soil around them. This is not an issue in the UK but can be found in areas all over the world from Russia to Canada to South Africa.

Both Primary and Secondary Asbestos Exposure are harmful to human health.
Every Asbestos-related disease, including Mesothelioma, has been linked to it.

If you're interested in learning more about Asbestos check out our blog posts here or if you're working somewhere where Asbestos exposure might be a concern, contact us for emergency response.


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