Asbestos and Workplace Safety: Risks and Protection

Asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials for health, especially for workers who have been or could be exposed to it.

Knowing the risks, existing regulations, and safety measures is essential to prevent serious diseases and ensure protection at the workplace.

What is Asbestos? 

Asbestos, also known as asbestosis, is a fibrous material made of natural minerals belonging to the silicate group. Due to its insulating, heat-resistant, and fireproof properties, it was widely used in the past in construction, industry, and transportation sectors.

Its applications included:

1. Thermal and acoustic insulation.
2. Roofing materials, such as asbestos cement (eternit).
3. Seals, coatings, and products for the chemical and shipbuilding industries.

However, despite its versatility, asbestos has proven to be highly dangerous to human health, as its fibers can disperse into the air and, once inhaled, cause severe respiratory diseases.

What are the risks and why is it dangerous to human health?

Asbestos is dangerous because its fibers can be easily inhaled. Being microscopic, they penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious respiratory diseases. 

The main diseases associated with asbestos exposure include:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma: A malignant cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity.
2. Asbestosis: A form of pulmonary fibrosis caused by the accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory difficulties.
3. Lung Cancer: A cancer often linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos.
4. Cardiovascular Diseases: Some studies suggest a possible link between asbestos exposure and an increased risk of heart disease.

Workers most at risk are those involved in asbestos removal and maintenance of asbestos-containing materials.
The risk increases with the duration and intensity of exposure, and without the use of appropriate protective measures.

Some Data on Asbestos Impact: Worker Illnesses and Deaths

The consequences of asbestos exposure are devastating, especially for workers who have been in contact with it for long periods without adequate protective devices. 

According tothe World Health Organization (WHO), over 107,000 deaths related to asbestos-induced diseases are recorded globally each year.

In Italy,the National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL), estimates about 1,500 deaths annually due to mesothelioma linked to asbestos. Thousands of additional cases of diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer also occur.

Another significant data point is the long latency of asbestos-related diseases, which can develop even 20-40 years after exposure, making it even more difficult to monitor health impacts and implement preventive actions.

The most affected sectors includeconstruction, shipbuilding, and heavy industrywhere asbestos was widely used.

These numbers highlight the urgency of adopting effective preventive measures, such as using appropriate to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Legislation and Bans

In Italy, the use of asbestos was banned by Law No. 257 of 1992, which prohibited the extraction, processing, production, and sale of asbestos-containing materials.

This law:

1. Establishes the procedures for disposal and decontamination of contaminated sites.
2. Provides assistance and compensation for workers affected by asbestos-related diseases.
3. Requires employers to map and monitor asbestos-containing materials in the workplace.

Despite the ban, asbestos presence remains a widespread problem in buildings and facilities constructed before 1992, requiring ongoing efforts in decontamination.

Regulations for Worker Protection

Decree Law No. 81/2008 outlines employers' obligations to assess asbestos risks in workplaces and develop a risk assessment document.

Once the relationship between measured indices and corresponding threshold limit values is defined, the employer prepares a work plan, which includes necessary safety measures to ensure workers' health.

The European Commission with Directive EU 2023/2668 has reduced the threshold exposure limits (TLV) to asbestos in the workplace. According toArticle 8 "employers shall ensure that no worker is exposed to an asbestos concentration in the air greater than 0.01 fibers per cm3, measured as a time-weighted average over 8 hours”.

Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/?uri=CELEX32023L2668

Safety Measures and Prevention

Protecting workers exposed to asbestos requires strict safety measures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Protection Measures (Articles 251 and 252):

–Minimize the number of workers exposed to asbestos fibers.

–Mandatory use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) suitable for the level of asbestos concentration.

–Adequate breaks for workers using PPEproportional to the physical effort required.

–Regular cleaning and maintenance of spaces and equipment used for asbestos handling.

–Clear marking of work areas with appropriate signage

–Access restricted to authorized personnel.

–Work clothing stored separately from civilian clothes.

Periodic Asbestos Fiber Measurement (Article 253):

–Regular monitoring of asbestos fiber concentration in the air to ensure exposure limits are not exceeded.

Worker Information (Article 257):

–Communicating health risks related to asbestos exposure.

–Providing instructions on hygiene and preventive measures.

–Alerts in case of exposure limit violations.

Worker Training (Article 258):

–Training on asbestos-related work.

–Safe working procedures and proper use of PPE.

–Emergency management and the importance of health surveillance.

5. Health Surveillance (Article 259):

–Preventive and periodic medical checks (every three years) for exposed workers.

Source: https://temi.camera.it/leg18/post/OCD15_14621/la-normativa-materia-amianto.html

PPE for Asbestos Worker Protection

Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE):

–Half-masks or full-face masks with P3 filters:: Protect against airborne asbestos fibers andensure the highest safety level.

Body Protection:

–Disposable suits made of tear-resistant and penetration-resistant materials to prevent direct contact with fibers. Must be fully sealed with a hood.

Limbs Protection:

–Asbestos-specific gloves resistant to fiber penetration, and disposable shoe coversto avoid contamination.

Eye and Face Protection:

–Sealed protective goggles: to prevent direct contact with fibers and avoid irritation.

–Face shields: Useful for activities generating additional dust.

Note: All PPE must comply with European standards (e.g., CE marking) and be selected based on the workplace risk assessment.

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