In this blog, we will provide all of the answers which you need to answer the question, what is second hand asbestos exposure?
Whilst the dangers of primary exposure to asbestos are widely publicised, many people are unaware of the dangers associated with secondary (or second-hand) exposure.
The truth is that secondary exposure is just as dangerous as primary exposure. Indeed any amount of exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems.
You May Know It By Another Name
Second hand exposure to asbestos is also referred to in other ways, such as;
- Household Asbestos Exposure
- Domestic Asbestos Exposure
- Take-home Asbestos Exposure
- Indirect Asbestos Exposure
- Para-occupational Asbestos Exposure
Some of these terms are a little more descriptive of the situations in which people become exposed to asbestos. For instance ‘Take-home Asbestos Exposure’ is a good descriptor of how asbestos can end up in your home even if it isn’t present within the structure.
The Risks Of Take-home Asbestos Exposure
A recent news story highlighted the very real risk of second hand asbestos exposure as a result of asbestos fibres being brought into the home.
A mother of five from Derby sadly contracted mesothelioma as a result of washing her husband’s work clothes which contained asbestos fibres.
Mrs Green’s husband worked in power stations for a number of years where he would often come into contact with asbestos fibres when they fell from the ceiling. These fibres were then carried into Mr Green’s home upon his work clothes.
As is typical with cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos – mesothelioma, the symptoms only become apparent decades after the initial exposure.
In the case of Mrs Green, she became unwell over twenty years after her first exposure to the deadly asbestos fibres. Despite many surgeries and various treatments Mrs Green sadly passed away as a result of mesothelioma only 18 months after she first became unwell.
How Did This Happen?
Before regulations were introduced in the 1970s, people were unaware of the risks involving asbestos. Therefore, it was very common for asbestos workers to work openly with the material meaning that it was brought home on their clothes, shoes and tools.
Due to the fact that asbestos is inhaled into the lungs, secondary exposure to asbestos is just as dangerous as primary exposure. Similarly to primary exposure, repeated, long-term secondary exposure will cause serious disease and cancers such as mesothelioma.
A Preventable Disease
Asbestos was completely banned from use in any form in 1999 which has dramatically reduced the risk of exposure. However, there are many buildings around the UK which still contain asbestos. These include schools, factories, public buildings and of course peoples homes.
The most common way that a person will come into contact with asbestos is when they are carrying out renovations to their home. As before 1999 asbestos was used in many building materials such as textured wall and ceiling coverings.
Similarly, the most common type of waste to contain asbestos is building materials. Unfortunately, this is the type of waste which is often irresponsibly disposed of, which is why you must be very careful when dealing with any waste of this type.
“I think what frustrates us is that it was so preventable, there is a complete lack of awareness of just how dangerous asbestos is. We had some asbestos fly-tipped in our garden the other week and if we hadn’t have been through this, we would have been much more blasé and gone and taken it away ourselves – but we know what it can do.” Jolie, Barbara Green’s daughter.
Read our blog on fly-tipping for advice on how to deal with potentially dangerous waste.
What To Do If You Think You Have Found Asbestos
If you are concerned that you have come across asbestos within your home it is always important to get it checked out.
The best way to do this is to contact an asbestos removal whom will come to your address and check it for you. If they do find asbestos they will be able to advise you on the best way to seal and manage the problem area, or remove the asbestos altogether.
Take a look here for some pointers on where you may find asbestos.
If you or someone you know is concerned that they have asbestos in their home or workplace contact WeldLag and speak to our friendly team of experts.