Asbestos Exposure: Hazards and Prevention

Did you know that everyone is exposed to low levels of asbestos throughout their lives? It is found within the Earth’s crust and has been used in products including heat-resistant fabrics, brake systems, insulation, roofing, and flooring due to its resistance to heat and corrosion, durability, and tensile strength. When asbestos fibers are disturbed or damaged, they are released into the air, water, or soil and can be easily inhaled or ingested. For most of us, our levels of exposure are low enough to not lead to the development of an asbestos-related disease. If exposed, symptoms can take over a decade or more to appear after exposure and more than 12,000 people in the United States die every year from one of these diseases. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide clear regulations on how to protect workers from unsafe levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace (29 USC 654 S5; 29 CFR 1910 Parts 1001 and 1101; 29 CFR 1926.1101; 29 CFR 1915.1001; 40 CFR Parts 61, 721, and 763; and related standards).

Workers in some industries are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of asbestos than others, including the construction, automotive, manufacturing, and maritime industries, but you could even be exposed to unsafe levels of asbestos in your own home! Although asbestos is no longer used in as many products and building materials as it once was, if you live or work in an older building that is being renovated, you may be at risk for exposure.

This course will discuss what asbestos is, where it is found, who is most at risk, and why it is a serious health hazard. In addition, this course will break down some of the most essential regulations put in place by both OSHA and the EPA to protect everyone from asbestos exposure and the negative health effects this exposure can cause. If you need to learn more about what asbestos is, the harm it could cause to the body, and the federal regulations in place to protect you from asbestos exposure, this training is for you!

Keywords: Asbestos, Asbestos awareness, mesothelioma, carcinogenic mineral, exposure toxicity, H.R. 5073, Asbestos-Related Diseases, Asbestos Mining, Safely Handling Asbestos, Polyurethane foam, health risks, lung cancer, asbestos regulations, construction materials, fireproofing products, asbestos industry, toxicity, Drywall, ventilation, asbestos dangers