Asbestos, lead, and silica can pose serious health risks to many workers in the construction sector. These substances cause a wide range of health and lung problems for workers and create a concern for residents living near the construction site.
It is important to stay well informed about the risks of these substances by having a foundation of knowledge. Various courses in Vancouver, including Occupational First Aid Levels 1, 2, and 3, empower employees with information on how to minimize their risk of exposure to asbestos, lead, and silica. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest health concerns associated with these particles.
Health Hazards of Asbestos
Construction workers usually have a high risk of exposure to asbestos and developing a wide range of lung diseases., including mesothelioma.
There are six types of naturally occurring asbestos fibers. These fibers have excellent chemical and heat resistance properties and have been used for fireproofing buildings, providing sound insulation, and increasing a structure’s energy efficiency.
Asbestos fibers become harmful once they become airborne and break down into tiny particles. Nearby workers exposed to the fibers inhale them. The asbestos particles gradually accumulate in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. For this reason, many health organizations in the world have classified asbestos as a carcinogen.
Exposure to asbestos may increase a person’s risk of:
- Asbestosis (that leads to permanent lung damage)
- Lung cancer
- Cancer of the kidney, throat, and gastrointestinal tract
- Scarring of the lung lining
Workers associated with the construction industry usually have the highest risk of asbestos exposure. This may be followed by other occupations such as the auto industry, railway construction, fabric milling, and firefighting.
There are a few ways of minimizing asbestos at work. This means wearing protective equipment that is recommended by the EPA, including a head cover, coveralls, gloves, and respiratory protection. All facepieces should have replaceable high-efficiency filters with powered air-purifying respirators.
The second course of action is to ensure that the workplace has proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of asbestos dust. An HVAC system can play a crucial role in filtering out asbestos contaminants and preventing the air from getting contaminated.
If you, or someone you know, has been exposed to asbestos because of work, book a consultation with your healthcare provider to take steps to protect yourself and slow the progression of asbestos-related disease.
Health Hazards of Lead
Lead is a poisonous material that has serious health effects on workers. It is particularly dangerous to newborns and can harm them even before they’re born. It is most commonly found in lead paint and older houses with lead piping.
The greatest risk of lead exposure is irreparable damage to the nervous system. Higher levels of lead exposure can damage the nervous system in both adults and children. In some cases, high lead levels can result in unconsciousness, seizures, and even death.
The most common route for lead absorption in the body of workers is the inhalation of particulate matter. In most cases, the effects of lead poisoning are not reversible. Workers can, however, reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by minimizing their exposure to the poisonous metal.
Some of the symptoms of lead poisoning include:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Numbness
- Low libido
- Personality swings
These symptoms may appear over the course of several weeks or months. Workers should wear personal protective clothing to minimize their exposure to lead dust. This means having to wear respiratory masks with replaceable filters and changing clothes and shoes after work.
Health Hazards of Silica
Silica is found in construction workplaces. It is commonly used to improve the durability and integrity of various structures. Silica is resistant to corrosion and extreme weather events, making it ideal to use as a caulk or sealant. Someone who works with these materials can be exposed to small amounts of silica particles that enter the body through inhalation.
What makes silica particularly dangerous is that it is extremely minute in size and can travel deep into the lungs. Over time, silica can cause silicosis, a deadly lung disease. In most cases, any silica-associated disease will occur after several years of exposure to fine dust.
Workers can mitigate their risk of silica exposure, but it takes training and dedication. Where possible, workers should use wet methods to apply water at the point where dust is being made. This makes it easier to contain the dust in the air.
Another option is to use local exhaust ventilation to suck away the dust before it can become airborne. This method attaches suction points close to the point of dust creation, removing silica particles instantly after they are created.
Finally, workers should use air-filtering respirators when working with construction materials. The masks should be replaced at regular intervals to ensure proper breathing.
Learning About Workplace Safety
There are many problems surrounding site dust created at workplaces. Employers should strive to create a safe and secure workplace for their employees. In addition, employees should undergo mandatory health and safety training to become aware of common safety hazards and how to avoid them.
Courses like Occupational First Aid Level 1, Occupational First Aid Level 2, and Occupational First Aid Level 3 provide them with best safety practices and expectations.
These courses are all the more important for construction companies that habitually use hazardous materials and equipment. Without undergoing safety training, employees may find themselves at a higher risk of workplace injury, illness, or even death.
The value of safety training goes beyond simply following certain procedures. It is something that both employers and employees can benefit from. The advantages of safety training are numerous, ranging from increased productivity and communication to injury reduction and awareness.
There are several training courses in Vancouver that inform employees on how they can minimize their exposure to asbestos, lead, silica, and other particulate matter in work environments. Click here to take a look at some of the training courses in Vancouver.
