Before we discuss the term ‘asbestos poisoning’, let’s have a look at some basics surrounding the material itself. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is found in nature. It has been used liberally and widely in buildings and other constructions for over 100 years. The fibers of asbestos are durable and sturdy, yet, flexible and extremely resistant to heat. Asbestos can be found in a broad variety of products, such as flooring and ceiling tiles, house siding, roof shingles, pipe insulations, etc. To give you some numbers: a study that was conducted not too long ago, indicated that in the Unites States alone, asbestos has been used an estimated 30 million tons and can be found in over 3,000 products in industries like automotive, textile, electronics and construction.
However, the material was proven to be dangerous since a clear link between asbestos exposure and severe health effects was established. When we talk about asbestos poisoning, we refer to any illness or injury that was caused by the exposure to asbestos. It is important to note that if asbestos remains unhampered and undisturbed, no health risk is imminent. Asbestos is friable which means that it can be broken up under only a fairly small amount of pressure. As a result, the minerals separate into microscopically small dust particles. As these particles get airborne, they may be inhaled by anyone onsite or in close proximity, which can cause a number of severe health conditions, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. A high risk of asbestos poisoning is posed to people with occupational exposure to the hazardous material.
In the early 1900s, researchers and the medical community reported an emerging trend of newly diagnosed patients and fatalities in workers holding jobs in asbestos mines and the asbestos manufacturing industries. Because of the long latency time of asbestos induced diseases, it took another few decades until the problem manifested itself in its entirety. Thousands of people got diagnosed and often died within a matter of months thereafter.
As mentioned earlier, there are three major health conditions that are directly linked to asbestos poisoning.
Asbestosis is comparable to an inflammation. It occurs when asbestos fibers are ingested or inhaled and get trapped inside the lungs. As the body’s own defense mechanism kicks in, an acidy substance is being produced with the objective to Industrial Engineering Courses dissolve the fibers. However, the acid does unfortunately have no impact on the asbestos, but directly affects the lung tissue which over course of time, results in scarring. The scarring impairs the regular functionality of the lungs.
Mesothelioma is cancerous and fatal. It is the only What Is The Major Industries In Indonesia illness that is solely linked to asbestos exposure.
Lung cancer is ranked number one worldwide among the most lethal cancers. Smokers who are exposed to asbestos are at a significantly increased risk of developing the disease.…
Tag: injuries
10 Work-Related Illnesses and Injuries That Often Deserve A Claim
The workplace should be a safe environment, with every precaution taken to avoid hazards and protect employees from harm. However, in many situations, that’s not the case. Here are 10 work-related illnesses and injuries that may be worth claiming for.
1. Asbestosis – This is an illness caused by regular or heavy exposure to asbestos. It involves the lungs becoming scarred and can leave sufferers with a severe shortness of breath.
2. Mesothelioma – Another asbestos-related illness and a rare form of cancer that can take up to three decades to manifest. It attacks a protective linking in the body, which covers many vital organs.
3. Brain or head injury – A serious head injury can be caused by falling objects, when an employee trips over something or a number of other workplace hazards. It can leave people with physical, emotional, sensory or cognitive problems and medical care may be required.
4. Spinal injury – Another serious injury that can be caused in the workplace, especially through falling, can be injuries to the spine. The effects can be devastating and, from physiotherapy to ongoing medical care, the costs can be considerable.
5. Road traffic accident related injury – If you drive as part of your job, then you are on the road far more than other drivers. As such, the risk Neca Pre Apprenticeship Test of an accident is likely to be higher. Injuries can range in seriousness, but can have long-term effects which can effect your future employment.
6. Industrial deafness – Described as the permanent loss of hearing by exposure to industrial noise in a worker’s employment, this is a common disease in the workplace. Excessive noise can lead to tinnitus, a permanent illness that involves sounds like ringing or buzzing being heard in the ear without an external source.
7. Fatal accident – From collisions on the road to spinal and head injuries, the worst accidents have resulted in loss of life for many workers. If your loved one has died as the result of a workplace accident, then you may be entitled to make a claim.
8. Lung Cancer – A third asbestos exposure related illness is lung cancer, Apprenticeship Vs Trade School Reddit which is particularly common when combined with being a regular smoker.
9. Psychological problems – All accidents in the workplace can be traumatic and, as such, have the potential to lead to psychological effects that may also be eligible for a claim.
10. Amputations – These injuries are life changing and can have a far reaching impact on your mental and physical health. Often caused through an industrial accident, they can require many years of physio and counselling.
If you’ve suffered from a workplace accident, injury or illness then you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.…