Caution: asbestos dust is hazardous to your health

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:7028033

This pamphlet is designed to bring current awareness of the asbestos hazard to the general public. Asbestos is defined as a mineral and the properties of its various types are depicted. Uses for asbestos are listed for the construction industry, automotive industry, textile industry, and other fields where the substance has been used to strengthen metals exposed to heat. The danger from asbestos stems from inhaling the fibrous dust particles. The danger varies according to the intensity of the dust inhaled, the susceptibility of the exposed individual, the size and variety of the fibers, and the presence of other pollutants inhaled as well. The latency period before symptoms appear is discussed and the diseases of asbestosis, mesothelioma, cancer of the respiratory system, and asbestos corns are described. Groups of workers who may be exposed are listed. While there is no known treatment for asbestos-related diseases, regular checkups are urged and the need for controlling on-the-job exposure is stressed. Safety standards are listed and safety practices including labeling of hazardous materials, use of personal safety equipment, on the job housekeeping, medical surveillance, and education of employers and employees are discussed.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7028033
• Report Number(s): PB-88-204649/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ASBESTOS
CONTROL
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MATERIALS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
POLLUTION CONTROL
SAFETY