Microscopic asbestos fibers can cause serious health complications when inhaled, including:

• Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart
• Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition characterized by scarring and inflammation that causes difficulty breathing
• Lung cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer

Symptoms may not appear for decades .

For years, asbestos has been a popular building material used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other products. Asbestos became popular with people because of its affordability and resistance to heat and corrosion. However, its use has started to be discontinued globally due to its harmfulness.

As we have already mentioned, asbestos is a harmful substance for human health, asbestosis is an occupational disease of people working with asbestos.

In the Organic Law of Georgia, an occupational disease is defined as – an acute or chronic disease of an employee, which develops due to the influence of the factors that pose a threat to the production environment and work process, leads to the deterioration of his health condition and/or limitation of professional work capacity in a short period or for a long time and is defined by the legislation of Georgia;

Asbestos is especially dangerous because of its ability to form fibers. Asbestos fiber can penetrate from the lungs to the stomach, and this fiber can withstand acids and alkalis, as well as very high temperatures. Therefore, the body can neither process nor excrete it. In this way, asbestos embedded in the body becomes a source of chronic infections.

Regulatory measures:

Various countries have taken steps to stop using absethe. Although this has greatly reduced its prevalence in new construction, it still occurs in older buildings and products. Renovating or demolishing asbestos-containing structures can release harmful fibers into the air, endangering workers and nearby residents.

The import-export of asbestos fibers containing crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, actinolite and tremolite is prohibited in our country. However, asbestos – this extremely dangerous mineral is still used in our country without any problems in construction and fire insulation, as well as for covering buildings and structures; In electricity, as an insulation and in car braking system.

Preventive measures:

Although the dangers posed by asbestos are critical, proactive measures can reduce risks and protect human health.

Preventive steps:

Awareness and Training: Educating employees about the dangers of asbestos exposure, including proper handling techniques and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to identify areas of potential asbestos containing material (ACM) and take appropriate measures.

Safe d disposal:

Legal Compliance: Follow the rules and guidelines set by occupational health and safety authorities to maintain a safe working environment for everyone.

Article 13. Asbestos waste

1. The producer/owner of asbestos waste is obliged to manage said waste in accordance with the requirements of the technical regulations.
2. The following special requirements apply to the management and treatment of asbestos waste:

• During dismantling, it is necessary to sprinkle asbestos waste with water. The person engaged in dismantling must be equipped with protective overalls. The protective equipment used requires the same treatment as asbestos waste;
• Asbestos waste is stored temporarily at the place of generation, separated from other waste;
• Asbestos waste should be immediately wrapped and sealed with 2 separate plastic layers;
• Packaged asbestos waste must be marked with hazardous waste – asbestos content;
• Transportation of asbestos waste is allowed only by means of a closed vehicle;
• Packaged asbestos waste is not considered hazardous and can be placed in a non-hazardous or hazardous waste landfill, only in the appropriate sector/cell designated for such waste;
• The operator of the landfill is obliged to record the places where asbestos waste is placed at the landfill;
• Restoration of asbestos waste is not allowed.

Source: https://rb.gy/nlsx9w