3.2 Asbestos

Question 1

List hfrom exposure to Asbestos

Answer 1

Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. These qualities made it a great insulator and fireproofing material. Asbestos was incorporated into thousands of products used in fire resistant, lagging heat insulation and friction lining in machinery (brakes, clutch, plates). Asbestos was only found to be carcinogenic in mid of 20th century. The symptom of the disease do not become apparent until years after exposure. Health hazards of exposure are asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and diffuse pleural thickening

Question 2

Define asbestosis health condition

Answer 2

Asbestosis - induced when fibres inhaled into the alveoli and then migrate into the surrounding tissues leading to a development of tissue scars and thickening of the pleural membranes. This consequently leads to breathlessness

Question 3

Define Lung Cancer health conditiom

Answer 3

cancer of lung tissue. its combined effect of smoking tobacco and working with asbestos is a documented factor in the development of lung cancer

Question 4

Define mesothelioma health condition

Answer 4

cancer of the pleural membranes surrounding the lungs.
Asbestos fibres are able to migrate through lung tissue following inhalation and can have a toxic effect in adjacent tissue

Question 5

diffuse pleural thickening

Answer 5

thickening of the lining tissue of the lung causing breathing difficulty

Question 6

the two key principles for the control of exposure to asbestos

Answer 6

• a duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. This includes an assessment t identify likely asbestos containing materials and have a plan to manage the materials
• Impose controls on work with asbestos. This requires an assessment of the asbestos containing materials