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Humanity has to live with numerous essential materials, which, under certain circumstances can be harmful to health or to life, such as butane gas for cooking and radiation. The development of risk control measures has allowed us to use these materials and enjoy the benefits they bring to society, and contribute to our welfare.
Asbestos has been the object of studies for more than one hundred years
Asbestos is a natural fiber known for its many uses and for the fact that it is hazardous to human health. Old data proposed a ban on asbestos on the basis of these arguments:
- high risk to workers in the asbestos industry;
- potential risk to consumers/users of asbestos byproducts;
- replacement products could represent less risk to human health.
Recent studies refute these allegations, and for objective reasons:
- industries are always striving to use the most modern practices;
- amphibole asbestos (harmful to health) is currently banned everywhere in the world;
- friable products, as well as products that are difficult to control are being eliminated;
- the technology used for dust control in mines and plants makes the environment completely safe for the worker.
The main concern throughout the industrial process regards the control of dust that is likely to be generated during break and crushing operations and the separation of the mineral rock. Since they are invisible to the naked eye, the fine particles suspended in the air can compromise the lungs.
However, nowadays, and on the basis of scientific and technical information, the risks of chrysotile asbestos have ceased to be a public health problem and have become an occupational health issue, and controls are needed for its use. Exposure standards for this mineral ore have been set by legislation and the federal government is responsible for enforcing the norms pertaining to its controlled use. |
