Asbestos Risk Reduction & Measurement of Asbestos Fiber Concentration
The article narrates the method for detecting and measuring the presence of asbestos fibers as well as suggested guidelines in the prevention, removal and decontamination of asbestos from personnel and buildings.
The article has cited phase contrast microscopy (PCM ) with the use of microscopes like asbestos microscopes as a tool and technique in the proper measurement of asbestos fibers presence during removal work. It was noted in the article that this method can only detect or identify high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers that can be seen in the environment. It is not able to identify lower concentrations.
Aside from phase contrast microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) method using asbestos microscopes can be relied upon to identify and quantify all asbestos fibers, even the thinner fibers.
It is important that asbestos fiber concentration be minimized or eradicated. The identification of asbestos fibers indoors and outside the environment and the reduction of asbestos concentration helps in protecting the whole population from certain health risks caused by asbestos.
The article also tackles safety and protection of workers working on redundant ships that are to be taken apart. It is considered top priority because asbestos and other toxic waste materials are present on these ships. Safety guidelines should be taught to these workers so they would be protected. Ship part samples should be tested and evaluated first for the presence of asbestos to reduce the risk of contamination and pollution.
The environment and the general population can also be threatened with asbestos exposure when asbestos are being removed or handled during demolition, refurbishment work, disposal or transportation of workers that are untrained for the removal of materials containing asbestos. There are specialty contractors that are trained to remove, handle, transport, or dispose these materials. Building owners who wishes to have a part of a building demolished or reconstructed should first hire these specialty contractors to safely remove asbestos from the building materials in accordance to laws and safety and health guidelines. Samples should be examined by specialized laboratory personnel to test for the presence of asbestos using asbestos microscopes. Having the knowledge of these things is a priority for the safety of all.
Even asbestos cement is not exempted from the article. It was discovered that asbestos cement eventually corrodes during corrosion process. When this happens, asbestos particles and fibers are released into the environment and eventual contamination will occur. Imagine the number of people going to be exposed to asbestos fibers when this happens. It is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant and aware of the current laws and issues pertaining to the monitoring, reporting, removal, and disposal of asbestos containing products and materials.
In conclusion, the article generalizes that asbestos is hazardous. Proper monitoring, control, and evaluation are a must. There are safety guidelines, federal laws, and state laws that address asbestos control and risk-reduction of contamination. All materials and products that contains asbestos or is even suspected of containing asbestos must be contained and reported to the proper authorities and department in order to limit exposure and release of asbestos fibers in the environment.
