A few decades ago, asbestos was used as a major component in building materials because of its durability, fire resistance, and other properties. Due to its hazardous properties, it is now illegal to import raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products in New Zealand. However, the ban on the use of asbestos has not completely solved the problem related to asbestos exposure.
Any building built or renovated before 2000 could contain asbestos. The material can also be found underground, in soil, and in landfills. While asbestos exposure leads to some serious respiratory diseases, the myths about the material often make things worse.
Myth #1: Asbestos Is Harmless If It Is Left Undisturbed
Asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis when someone breathes in airborne asbestos fibres. A common belief is that asbestos is harmless if it does not get airborne. In reality, the presence of asbestos in a building can pose health hazards to people in that vicinity, even if it is left undisturbed. Asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate with age and release fibres into the air through environmental factors or normal wear and tear. So, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and proper maintenance of your home and offices to ensure asbestos safety.
Myth #2: Asbestos Removal Is a DIY Task
Removing asbestos-containing material is a highly specialised task. It is always recommended to let trained, licensed professionals handle such high-risk tasks. DIY asbestos removal can release harmful fibres into the air, putting the health of people in that area at risk. Licensed asbestos contractors have the necessary expertise and equipment to identify asbestos fibres and safely remove and dispose of them. If you want to do it yourself, the asbestos has to be non-friable (bonded) and less than 10 square metres in total. However, it is not worth the risk and should be left to the professionals.
Myth #3: It Is Easy to Tell If a Building Has Asbestos in It
Unless you are an occupational hygiene specialist or a trained professional in handling asbestos materials, it is unlikely that you will be able to identify asbestos in a building. You need proper knowledge and understanding of asbestos and the construction industry. Moreover, asbestos fibres are not usually visible to the naked eye. You can only spot them if there is a pile of them. So, if asbestos in a building has become friable and/or airborne, it may go unnoticed. To identify the presence of asbestos, you need to monitor the air and test the property.
Myth #4: Asbestos Exposure Occurs Only in Industrial Settings
There is no denying that asbestos exposure is more common in industries such as construction and manufacturing. However, it can occur in other settings as well. People also experience asbestos exposure in trades such as electric work, plumbing, and renovation, as they encounter asbestos-containing materials quite often. Individuals may also experience secondary exposure when asbestos fibres are carried around on clothing and belongings, affecting others around them.
Myth #5: Some Forms of Asbestos, Such as White Asbestos, Are Safe
Asbestos is a general term for a group of fibrous minerals. There are six different forms of asbestos, and each is harmful as it can break down and cause Asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious diseases. Blue and brown asbestos are considered to be more harmful to human health. However, white asbestos is classified as carcinogenic and is banned in certain countries. Currently, there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Your risk of developing asbestos-related diseases will increase with each exposure. In fact, inhaling a few fibres can be dangerous.
Myth #6: Only Smokers Are at Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases
It is true that people who smoke are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. However, exposure to asbestos alone can cause these illnesses. Even the non-smoking population can develop respiratory conditions if they are exposed to asbestos fibres. If you work in industries where you need to handle asbestos-containing materials on a regular basis, you need to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of such diseases. Wear protective equipment, limit the amount of time in exposed areas, wash the exposed parts of your body with soap and water after work, and get regular medical exams.
Wrapping Up
These myths about asbestos exposure not only spread misinformation but also put public health in danger. By busting these common asbestos myths and revealing the actual facts, it is possible to empower individuals and businesses to take the necessary steps towards ensuring asbestos safety.
