Throughout the 20^th century, asbestos was utilised in an array of occupational settings. This is mainly because compared to other materials, this mineral was easy to blend into products, highly inexpensive, and rode along with fireproofing and insulating capabilities. 

Surprisingly, the dangers of asbestos were known world-over in the early 1930s, but a myriad of industries still used them widely until the late 1970s when governments started to restrict its use.

Today, people are still exposed to asbestos. Yes, even though this product is no longer in use for properties built today, you can inhale it unknowingly. When this happens, you risk getting deadly diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma Prognosis.

More often than not, people are exposed to asbestos by inhaling airborne asbestos fibres, which emanate from disturbing materials that contain asbestos.

Even though stringent measures are now in place to prevent asbestos from being used, the bad news is that there is still a high chance of being exposed to this harmful mineral. Luckily, there are several tips recommended by the best asbestos removalists that can help you and your family stay safe in your Bundaberg home. Be sure to also read through our Asbestos FAQs to stay informed.

If work in an asbestos environment, wear a face mask

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when working in an environment where asbestos is a threat is to overlook the importance of protective clothing.

Whether you work in an asbestos removal company or another job that exposes you to asbestos, it’s your duty to ensure you wear a face mask or respirator that is specially made to protect against dust, gases, and a host of other toxic substances.

You need to remember that not all masks can protect you from asbestos. Ensure that the one you acquire has a HEPA filter, and is designed to suit the purpose.

Remember, no amount of asbestos is too little to harm your body. Therefore, don’t assume that you are not exposed to “as much” asbestos in your line of work and fail to wear a mask. 

As long as you work in an environment where exposure to this product is a constant threat, always have a protective asbestos mask on!

Take a shower when you get home

At work, the asbestos fibres you have been exposed to all day will come home with you.

They will be attached to your clothes, skin, and hair. Therefore, they will pose a danger to you and the people you get in close contact with, especially the young ones.

It is, therefore, critical to take a shower after work.  In fact, companies that provide asbestos abatement solutions are required to have showering facilities on site.

If you can, take a shower at work and go home asbestos-free. By doing this, you will go a long mile in protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Wash work clothes before taking them home

After a day of exposure to asbestos, don’t travel home with your work clothes if they are not washed.

In case your company doesn’t have cleaning facilities, and you have to wash the clothes at home, change into uncontaminated clothes, and secure the contaminated ones in a sealed bag.  

While washing, keep in mind that wet asbestos fibres cannot be airborne. Therefore, rinse contaminated clothes with water before washing them with soap. 

Avoid disturbing dust

One of the quickest ways of getting exposed to asbestos is by disturbing dust. To prevent this, do not engage in activities such as sawing, shovelling, sweeping, and other similar activities in an ecosystem characterized by asbestos. In case you must perform any of these activities, constantly apply water on the surface to avert the release of harmful fibres.

Keep yourself informed

keeping yourself informed is one of the wisest things you can do to protect yourself from asbestos exposure. Do a thorough research and find out the products that contain this mineral, and locations in your workplace where you are likely to find it.

By suspecting or identifying the presence of asbestos, you will be in a better place to take extra precautions and stay safe!

Final thoughts

Exposure to asbestos is a ticket to bad health and can be deadly in worse cases. Fortunately, you can use the tips outlined above to protect yourself from the dangers of this harmful product.

In addition to the methods above, employers can protect their employees by hiring a commercial asbestos removal company in Bundaberg, like us, to safely remove this harmful product from any business setting or commercial property.

Similarly, if you own a home built before the 90s, there is a high chance that it contains asbestos. You need to find a reliable domestic asbestos removal company right away to get rid of it and protect you and your loved ones from its unforgiving effects.