In New Zealand, asbestos was commonly used in a variety of building materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring and pipes, between the early 1900s and the mid-1980s. While it was considered to be a groundbreaking material at one stage, it transpired that exposure to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) actually created serious health problems, which led to a complete ban on the use, importation and manufacturing of asbestos in the late 1980s in New Zealand.
Even though strict regulations were introduced, asbestos poisoning is still a common issue today, especially for those who are exposed to it in older buildings. Asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of approximately 170 New Zealanders every year, so it is crucial to be aware of the signs and what precautions can be taken to prevent asbestos poisoning.
In this blog post, we will discuss what asbestos poisoning is, including the common causes, signs and what you can do to prevent it. Let’s get started.
What Is Asbestos Poisoning?
Once praised for its durability, heat and fire resistance and insulation properties, asbestos was mainly used in products like pipes, boilers, flooring tiles, roofing shingles, wallboard, and plaster mouldings.
When ACMs are moved or disturbed, tiny asbestos fibres are released into the air that can’t be seen and can be inhaled. Asbestos exposure over time can lead to serious long-term health issues, including diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers.
There are six different types of asbestos. The most commonly used form is chrysotile asbestos, which can be found in cladding, plaster, roofing materials, insulation and more. If you believe you might have been exposed to asbestos in your home or workplace, there are some common asbestos poisoning symptoms to look out for.
Common Contact Points
The leading cause of asbestos poisoning is long-term exposure and inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres. There are some places where this type of contact might commonly occur.
Workplace Exposure
Asbestos fibres are more easily released during renovations and demolition, so construction workers are at a high risk of exposure and have higher rates of asbestos poisoning than other industries. Other trades who visit worksites with ACMs ppresent may also be at risk. This could include electricians, plumbers and project management staff.
Older Buildings
Asbestos-containing materials are still present in many older residential and commercial buildings in New Zealand. When these buildings are renovated or demolished, it’s crucial to test for any asbestos presence on the site, especially within floor tiles, ceiling tiles, wall insulation, roofing, and pipes. Homeowners completing a DIY renovation are at high risk of inhaling asbestos fibres when these materials are moved or damaged, and employees of any business that resides in an older building should be aware of the risks.
Asbestos Poisoning Symptoms
If you think you have been exposed to asbestos fibres or have been handling asbestos-containing materials, the three most common asbestos poisoning symptoms to look out for are:
Persistent Cough
Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres can scar the lung tissue and cause irritation, which leads to the development of a dry, persistent cough. This cough can build up over time or present out of the blue years after continued asbestos exposure.
Shortness of Breath
One of the most common asbestos poisoning symptoms is breathing difficulties. This could feel like shortness of breath during physical activity, which gets worse over time. Continued inhalation of asbestos fibres causes inflammation in the lungs and thickening of the lung tissue, which leads to insufficient oxygen supply.
Chest Pain or Tightness
Another common cause of prolonged asbestos exposure is a feeling of pain or tightness in your chest. This potentially shows the development of mesothelioma, a form of cancer in the lower digestive tract, and advanced asbestosis.
How To Prevent Asbestos Poisoning
If you present any of these signs, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible to identify whether you may be dealing with asbestos-related health risks, including lung cancer, pleural thickening, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
It’s important to remember that asbestos-containing materials should be professionally handled with extreme care, caution and proper equipment. Leaving asbestos removal up to a properly trained team is always the best course of action to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.
At Consultex Labs, we provide independent asbestos testing and identification services at residential, commercial, and industrial sites throughout New Zealand. As an IANZ-accredited asbestos laboratory, our staff are highly trained and qualified to properly test for the presence of asbestos on your property or worksite.
Mobile Asbestos Laboratories
We are the sole bulk and air-accredited mobile asbestos laboratory in the country, offering a range of comprehensive services, including onsite clearance, disaster response, onsite surveying and more. There’s no need to worry about overnight couriers or travel to regional laboratories, and with accurate, compliance certainty onsite results, we are able to take immediate action and recommend a HAZMAT-approved asbestos-management plan.
Your Professional Asbestos Experts
Don’t delay getting in touch with the team at Consultex Labs if you are concerned about asbestos being present at your residential or commercial property or worksite. It’s important to act fast to avoid any serious health risks. Contact us today for professional asbestos services and customised solutions for total peace of mind