Asbestos
The Hidden Killer
Every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related disease. If you carry out work on a building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000, you could have been exposed to asbestos, without even knowing it.
Asbestos is a hidden killer. So now's the time to get clued up on the facts, so that you, your workmates, your friends and family are protected.
What is it?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It is used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion.
Because asbestos is often mixed with another material, it's hard to know if you're working with it or not. But, if you work in a building built before the year 2000, it's likely that some parts of the building will contain asbestos.
What can it cause?
- Mesothelioma - a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.
- Asbestos-related lung cancer - the same as (looks the same as) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma.
- Asbestosis - a scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause unpleasant shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.
- Pleural Thickening - this is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
For more information, visit the HSE's dedicated campaign site here.
Together we can make real change.
