Maritime Union of Australia: Campaigns: General: Asbestos and Health & Safety Issues

Many people underestimate the dangers associated with exposure to asbestos. However, the health and safety risks connected to asbestos are very real, and it is important that professionals that work in industries where asbestos exposure is prevalent understand how to protect themselves.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that is hailed for its insulating abilities. It is often used in a wide range of construction materials, including insulation, drywall, acoustical plaster, floor & ceiling tiles, roofing tiles, and even duct tape. These materials are found in residences, factories, ships, and aircraft. In addition, asbestos is also found in vermiculite mines. Professionals who work in related industries may be exposed to high levels of asbestos without even knowing it! Exposure to asbestos has been conclusively linked to the eventual development of pleural mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs and presently does not have a cure.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, the tiny fibers may be released into the air, putting individuals who work around these products at great risk for inhalation. Upon inhalation, the claw-like structure of the fibers allows them to cling to the pleural lining of the lungs for decades before an individual may begin to experience mesothelioma symptoms, including difficulty breathing, lingering cough, raspy voice, and the presence of fluid on the lungs. Once an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, they will generally succumb to this aggressive and painful ailment in less than two years.

For professionals working in the shipping, construction, mining, stevedoring, and related industries, protection against the dangers of asbestos is crucial. It is important to wear a mask or breathing apparatus that adequately covers the nose and mouth when working around asbestos to avoid inhalation. Proper ventilation is also necessary, as it will prevent asbestos dust from settling on workplace surfaces. Wearing protective clothing, including eyewear, gloves, and booties will ensure that asbestos fibers are not transferred from the work area to other locations, including the home, where people may be exposed second-hand to asbestos fibers. It is also absolutely imperative to understand and follow asbestos abatement regulations to avoid releasing fibers into the air.

Asbestos is a very serious issue in the workplace, and it should be taken very seriously. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is advisable to consult with a physician. Certain medical procedures, including x-rays, can determine if you are at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma.

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web's leading resource for information related to asbestos exposure at work, as well as information related to mesothelioma treatment methods, legal resources, and more. For additional information, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center website,

Contact	:	Maritime Union of Australia
Phone	:	+61 2 9267 9134
Fax	:	+61 2 9261 3481
Email	:	muano@mua.org.au
WWW	:	http://mua.org.au/

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