Medical Grand Rounds Seminar Asbestos Toxicity医学大轮研讨会石棉毒性.pptVIP

Asbestos Information for Community Members Introduction What is asbestos? What are past and present uses of asbestos? Why is asbestos a health concern? What are some asbestos-associated diseases? What should you do if you have been exposed to asbestos? What is asbestos? Naturally occurring mineral Made up of long, thin fibers Fibers are heat resistant, strong, flexible and very stable Used widely in industry from the early 1900s to the 1970s What is asbestos? Continued Past Exposure in the Workplace Used in many industries in the United States before the 1970s Used in pipe and insulation coverings, boilers, industrial furnaces, and brake pads Workers who made asbestos-containing products at greatest risk of exposure during this time Workers carried asbestos dust home on skin and clothes Past Exposure in the Workplace. Continued Asbestos still in some materials today Mined natural vermiculite mineral was contaminated with tremolite asbestos. Contaminated natural vermiculite was sold in attic insulation and potting soil People who handled contaminated vermiculite in manufacturing plants throughout country were exposed Current Exposure in the Workplace During repair, renovation, removal, and maintenance of old asbestos-containing products such as automobile, buildings, homes Occupations that involve contact with old asbestos materials: Current Exposure in the Workplace. Continued Workers may disturb asbestos in old, phased-out products, such as insulation or pipe coverings Only disturbed, broken asbestos-containing materials release asbestos fibers Follow the appropriate safety procedures when handling asbestos in the workplace Exposure at Home Exposure: Occurs in attics with asbestos-containing insulation, pipes and boilers with asbestos covers, during home repairs. What to do: Proper handling of asbestos is very important Seek professional assistance Contact your local health department for a listing of trained and certified asbestos contractor