Asbestos Danger: Why is it Important?

Asbestos: A Relevant Subject.

Asbestos is a natural material once considered an economic and versatile solution. However, understanding the risks associated with this substance is essential, as even its excellent technical properties, such as mechanical and chemical resistance, cannot mask the dangers it presents.

Asbestos: A Fiber with Multiple Applications.

Recognized as a “wonder-fibre,” asbestos was ubiquitous, used in materials such as fiber cement, floor coverings, and even tile adhesive. These various applications attest to its great versatility, but unfortunately, they also mask the invisible risks it poses.

Asbestos: A Health Risk?

The true nature of the danger revealed itself over time. The critical dimensions of asbestos fibers are to blame: thin enough to be inhaled, they can penetrate deeply into the lung alveoli. These fibers are not easily eliminated, as their length prevents them from following the usual pattern of dust particles. 
 

Inhalation can cause severe lung diseases and various types of cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. In Switzerland, nearly 120 annual deaths are linked to asbestos, highlighting the undeniable correlation between exposure to this substance and serious medical problems. 

Release of Asbestos into the Air.

When discussing asbestos, it is not only about its direct use in products but also the subtle threat it can pose when it becomes airborne. Asbestos fibers are incredibly small and light, meaning they can remain suspended in the air for long periods without being immediately noticeable. This implies that even without direct handling of asbestos-containing materials, there is a risk of inadvertently inhaling these harmful fibers.

These microscopic fibers can be released into the air from products containing asbestos when they deteriorate, wear out, or are get damaged. For example, old fiber cement roofs can degrade over time due to weathering, thus releasing asbestos fibers into the atmosphere. Similarly, inappropriate handling or unintentional destruction of construction materials containing asbestos during renovation or demolition can release large quantities of these dangerous fibers.

To avoid inadvertent exposure, it is therefore necessary to be attentive to signs that may indicate the presence of asbestos.

Avoiding Exposure to Asbestos.

Being informed about the risks associated with asbestos is the first step in ensuring everyone’s safety. It is crucial to recognize that this dangerous substance can be present in unexpected places in buildings, such as plastic coatings, adhesives used to fix tiles, fiber cement products in the home or building envelope, and even seemingly harmless plasters. In Switzerland, asbestos analysis is required before carrying out work in potentially affected buildings.

Workers, mainly in the construction, renovation, and demolition sectors, can be the first victims of asbestos. Adequate asbestos training and the use of personal protective equipment are therefore essential to reduce these risks on construction sites. Additionally, Swiss law requires employers to take measures to protect workers from asbestos exposure during renovation or transformation work.

Firstly, it is important to perform asbestos diagnostics and asbestos tests before working in buildings constructed before 1990. Depending on the situation, specialists must first remove asbestos-containing materials before the actual construction project can be carried out.

If there is uncertainty about possible asbestos exposure indoors, samples of surface dust can also be analyzed for asbestos. In certain cases, a room air measurement can also be used to determine whether there is asbestos contamination in the air or not.

Asbestos Remediation.

When asbestos-containing materials are discovered, it is important to remove them safely. Suva defines the rules in force in Switzerland for working with asbestos-containing materials (https://www.suva.ch/de-ch/praevention/nach-gefahren/gefaehrliche-materialien-strahlungen-und-situationen/asbest). In case of uncertainty or for large projects, it is advisable to call in specialists.

Asbestos Disposal.

Proper disposal is essential to prevent its dispersion in the environment. Specific procedures, in compliance with Swiss regulations, are necessary for safely storing, transporting, and disposing of asbestos-containing waste, thus ensuring long-term protection. They must be permanently disposed of, for example, by taking them to a suitable waste disposal site.

This also helps prevent asbestos from being reused in the recycling of construction materials.

By understanding these different aspects of asbestos risks and the necessary measures to minimize exposure, we can better protect ourselves from asbestos.