Products made with asbestos concrete have been used extensively in construction. On the other hand, a recent study revealed that asbestos water pipes that are getting on in years provide hidden dangers to construction workers, such as a type of cancer called Mesothelioma.
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Health Risks of Aging Asbestos Water Pipes
According to a study released in the Annals of Work Exposures and Health, concerns persist regarding the maintenance and removal of asbestos cement products that have been in use since before the hazards of the minerals were recognized. As mentioned, malignant Mesothelioma is classified as an occupational hazard, and among occupations that expose laborers to asbestos, construction work is particularly hazardous.
In the investigation, materials that are known to be incredibly harmful to the development of Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other disorders associated with asbestos were identified. Workers are exposed to fifty times more asbestos than the short-term limit imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Moreover, products include asbestos boards and corrugated roofing sheets, which release 24 times more asbestos fibers than allowed when cut. The report also emphasized the persistent mesothelioma risk associated with cement products contaminated with asbestos, stating that over 90% of asbestos usage worldwide is accounted for in pipelines, siding, and roofing. Additionally, although the asbestos industry claims to downplay legacy asbestos risk, the report's data stand out.
It also asserted that asbestos cement products should be completely banned and stronger controls should be implemented, which advocates for immediate action to safeguard workers in the building sector from the risks of asbestos contact. The construction industry must place the highest premium on the health and well-being of its workforce. Workers must be aware of the necessity of regular chest X-rays to reduce their risk of Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers.
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Banning Aging Asbestos Water Pipes
Aside from providing efficient thermal insulation and leak protection, asbestos in pipes contributed to their strength and endurance. It could tolerate severe temperatures and solid chemicals and was strong enough to be woven into cloth and paper protection.
Pipes that have been damaged can contain asbestos, which can be breathed or consumed. Accordingly, microfibers are too tiny for the human body to absorb or excrete. Because of this, millions of fibers become embedded in the tissues of the body, which results in inflammation and ultimately leads to the development of asbestosis, lung cancer, and Mesothelioma.
Thus, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contemplates completely prohibiting asbestos cement and other extant applications. Over 60 nations have already banned the use of asbestos. At this time, EPA requires businesses to inform the agency before producing or importing asbestos cement products.
Furthermore, asbestos is exported from Russia and Kazakhstan to more than 25 nations with low and intermediate incomes, and these two countries are responsible for 80% of the world's total asbestos output. The biggest importers of asbestos are China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. These countries reportedly account for nearly 90% of the total asbestos sales worldwide.
The primary reason for mining more than 1.2 million metric tons of asbestos in 2021 was for the production of asbestos cement. With a total of $185 million in revenue in 2021, Russia is the country that stands to benefit the most from this risky trade.
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