Over the decades, the negative effects of asbestos to humanity have been carefully documented. In 2017, one Australian dies every 14 hours due to asbestos-related diseases. The number of deaths continues to increase long after that year. The dramatic acceleration of the asbestos epidemic has affected more Australians than anyone ever thought. Asbestos is slowly killing Australia.
Asbestos-Related Diseases in Australia
As a consequence of the country’s extensive history of asbestos use, reports flooded about Australia’s high incidence of mesothelioma. In 2014, the Australian Mesothelioma Registry reported that there were over 600 natives who died from this disease. Other asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, pleuritic, and pleural plaques have also contributed to the increasing number of deaths in our nation.
Where does asbestos-related diseases come from?
Natural deposits of asbestos can be found in different parts of the world. In recorded history, Australia is one of the highest consumers of asbestos in the whole wide world.
Construction
Asbestos is of great use to all construction companies, textile mills, and other production factories and repair facilities. The industry has used it for strengthening plastics products and cement. Due to widespread public concern, there is a significant annual decline in building and construction companies’ use of asbestos.
Mining
Certain parts of the country were once asbestos mining hubs. From the beginning of the 1930s to the end of the 1960s, crocidolite asbestos, one of the most dangerous types of asbestos, was mined in the western part of Australia. The use has been regulated when Wittenoom mine was shut down. This also happened in Woodsreef mine in New South Wales. However, both of them continues to leave a legacy of asbestos exposure.
Manufacturing
In the advent of the 20th century, the manufacturing industry has fully utilised the purpose of asbestos. The executives of the leading manufacturing company during the time knew of the risks associated with their business. However, they did not warn the plant workers and asbestos miners of the dangers they were facing. The outcome of the exposure of asbestos in plants and mines was immeasurable.
Bans
Even with the regulations and bans, Australians remain at risk of asbestos-related diseases due to older constructions and buildings, and residential, and commercial buildings.
Who are at risk?
Research shows that residents who are most at risk for developing asbestos-related disease include individuals who are involved in the following occupations:
- Construction Workers
- Firefighters
- Industrial Workers
- Power Plant Workers
- Shipyard Workers
There are high-risk jobs that tend to handle asbestos in high consideration. These include:
- Asbestos Miners
- Asbestos Plant Workers
- Boiler Workers
- Insulators
- Textile Mill Workers
Construction workers are particularly at a high risk of asbestos exposure. Studies revealed that 1 out of 10 carpenters born before 1950 would die because of asbestos-related diseases.
Government Saves Australia
As the nation’s governing body, Safe Work Australia ensures to monitor and regulate the proper management of asbestos at work. The Work Health and Safety Regulations act of the country sets laws for the appropriate and safe handling of asbestos in the workplace. It includes the following:
- Handling of naturally occurring asbestos
- Removal of asbestos
- Training of asbestos workers
- Licensing requirements of abatement professionals
The Code of Practice proposed and implemented by Safe Work Australia is not only set to manage and oversee asbestos in the workplace, but it also provides guidance on how to properly respond to asbestos exposure threats. This safeguards the workers of various trades from exposure to asbestos-related cases.
Be the One to Save!
Certainly, the government is doing their best to reduce the number of deaths caused by asbestos-related diseases, but our nation would be better if the people are kinder. Asbestos is killing Australia. Share this information with your family and friends. Your action can save a life!