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Working with asbestos and the possible health risks
1Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. dil.sen@manchester.ac.uk.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|January 7, 2015
Summary
Asbestos, a mineral silicate, continues to cause significant asbestos-related diseases and cancer deaths globally. Despite bans, it remains a major occupational hazard requiring further research into exposure and health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring crystalline mineral silicate with valuable industrial properties.
- Its resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion led to widespread global use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer a historical overview of asbestos as an occupational hazard.
- To examine legislative changes in the UK for managing asbestos risks.
- To review scientific literature on asbestos and associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed and other medical databases for articles from 1960-2014.
- Included original articles, reviews, textbooks, and publications from regulatory and governmental organizations.
Main Results:
- Asbestos is the leading global cause of cancer deaths.
- Malignant mesothelioma deaths in the UK are projected to peak annually between 2015-2020.
- The safe level of airborne asbestos fibers is unknown, and health surveillance efficacy is not well-established.
Conclusions:
- Asbestos use is banned in the UK, but it remains a significant occupational risk.
- It causes benign and malignant diseases with long latency periods.
- Further research is needed on exposure levels and health surveillance effectiveness.
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