Asbestos Disposal: Make It A Safe Procedure

Asbestos disposal refers to the process of getting rid of asbestos or other asbestos containing items in a safe way. Asbestos is natural fibrous mineral. Many corporations used it for building and insulation materials. Asbestos was also used widely in fireproofing, pipe covering, cement, refractory materials, gaskets, floor tiles and joint compounds between 1890 and 1970. Exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind many diseases including life-threatening cancer called mesothelioma. Looking at the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, no one can underestimate the importance of safe removal and disposal of asbestos.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cancer

William Johnston

Asbestos is the biggest work place killer today. Those who have worked with asbestos or who are regularly in contact with someone who has are at risk from asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. All these are fatal respiratory diseases which are extremely difficult to cure. Research is being carried out in various research labs all over the USA and many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs and treatment methods.

One rare disease caused by asbestos which is becoming increasingly common is mesothelioma. Although unknown by many today, it is almost certain that awareness of this disease will be broadcasted worldwide because of its increasing occurrence in men aged between 55 and 70. Many of these men are now lodging multi million dollar lawsuits against the companies who subjected them to asbestos. Those most at risk from mesothelioma are those who have been in regular contact with asbestos dust and fibres without sufficient protection. Just a couple of months of exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma 30 years later. The latency period (amount of time the disease takes to start taking effect) of mesothelioma is 30 - 50 years which is one of the reasons it is so difficult to cure because it is very difficult to tackle in its early stages. Another reason it is so difficult to cure is that its early symptoms are characteristic of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia.

Mesothelioma symptoms include:

- Chest pains
- Coughing that worsens over time
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Lung infection
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite

A patient will feel symptoms depending on which type of mesothelioma he or she has got. For information on the different types of mesothelioma go to: http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

In the next 35 years it is estimated that over 1 million people will die from asbestos related diseases in developed countries. Most of these people will die from lung cancer and mesothelioma as these two are the most prolific asbestos related diseases.

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about mesothelioma can be found at:

http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about asbestos can be found at:

http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

It is better to dispose off some asbestos containing appliances such as oven rather than trying to separate the asbestos from it for disposal because separation of asbestos may prove to be very expensive and it can be hazardous. In some cases instead of complete removal of asbestos, we can seal the exposed insulation. Sealing minimizes the further risk of formation of airborne particles. Experts believe that Inhalation of asbestos fibers is much more likely when the asbestos is fragmented and airborne. Therefore, only a specialist should handle the process of asbestos disposal.

If you are planning the asbestos disposal process, then you should read the detailed instructions called Asbestos Removal Procedures for Home Owners of Utah State Department of Environmental Quality. Following are some recommendations to make asbestos disposal safe.

1. You must wet the friable asbestos containing material and place it in properly labeled leak-tight containers before shipping.

2. Only certified asbestos personnel must handle the regulated asbestos containing material.

3. You should not carry on the process of asbestos disposal during the periods of high wind.

4. Entry of unauthorized personnel must be strictly prohibited during the asbestos disposal process.

5. Friable asbestos and Category II non- friable asbestos-containing material should be covered by the end of each operating day with at least six inches of non- asbestos containing material such as soil. Category 1 non- friable asbestos containing material may be spread prior to being covered, but shall be covered by the end of each operating day with at least six inches of compacted non-asbestos containing material such as soil

6. You must maintain the records and file them to notify future landowners or interested parties, the locations and quantities of the asbestos waste buried at the site. A notice on the deed to the property must state that the site is subject to regulation and should include precautions against any attempt to disturb that area.
About the Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.

Custom Search

Click on flag for your chosen language:

Health Tips | Wellness Tips

Contact

Subscribe to FREE Tips - "Health Tips for You." Learn how to live a more energetic lifestyle! 18 Tips in 18 Days (our goal)

Health Tips: A to Z Wellness Articles

This site is for information purposes only. Never use it to diagnose illnesses or as a substitute for medical care.
Go to your doctor or other medical professional for health concerns.