Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is the generic term for a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to thermal, chemical, and electrical conditions.
Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and its use is now highly regulated by both OSHA and the EPA. Asbestos fibers associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Health risks commonly associated with exposure to asbestos include:
- Asbestosis - condition in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue, making breathing more and more difficult, often requiring the victim to use oxygen.
- Cancer - cancer of the lungs is the most common cancer associated with exposure. Other areas may become cancerous including the throat, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.
- Mesothelioma - a rare, often fatal cancer, usually occurring in the chest cavity.
Some examples of products that contain asbestos include:
- floor covering and adhesives
- exterior siding
- boilers
- ceiling tiles
- pipe insulation
- floor tiles
- roof flashing
- plaster walls
- roof shingles
- wallboard joint compound
Workers in construction may be exposed to asbestos during the following activities:
- demolishing or salvaging structures where asbestos is present
- removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing materials
- constructing, altering, repairing, maintaining, or renovating asbestos-containing structures or substrates
- installing asbestos-containing products
- cleaning up asbestos spills/emergencies
- transporting, disposing of, storing, containing, and housekeeping involving asbestos or asbestos-containing products on a construction site
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5-6. What is an example of a product that contains asbestos?
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