Asbestos Factories

Asbestos Factories

Asbestos factories are notorious for being dangerous spots for workers and the surrounding community. Asbestos is widely known as a cancer-causing material and has been banned in many countries. However, many asbestos factories still exist in developing countries, and they continue to pose a significant threat to those who work and live near them.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has unique properties such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, and durability. For these reasons, it was commonly used in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and insulation. However, the dangers of asbestos were not fully understood until the 20th century.

Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to manifest, which mean that workers who were exposed to asbestos several decades ago are only now starting to show symptoms.

Many asbestos factories were built in developing countries because of the low cost of labour there. Workers in these factories are often not provided with protective gear or training on how to safely work around asbestos. The asbestos fibres can easily become airborne, making it easy for workers to inhale them.

In addition to the workers, communities surrounding asbestos factories are also at risk. Asbestos fibres can travel through the air for several miles, putting those who live nearby at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Bans

Many countries have taken steps to ban or limit the use of asbestos to protect workers and communities. However, much work remains to be done to ensure that existing asbestos factories are safely closed and dismantled.

Although lots of these factories had an asbestos survey prior to asbestos removal before the demolition companies came in, Surrounding properties and land are still contaminated to this day.

Local factories

There were lots of asbestos factories close to where we are based in West Yorkshire. Some of which are world known due to the headline news.

These factories include J. W. Roberts Ltd factory in Armley, Leeds who manufactured asbestos insulation mattresses for steam locomotive boilers. Cape Insulation Limited factory at Acre Mill, Hebden Bridge who manufactured asbestos gas mask filters during WW2. The world’s biggest asbestos factory was Turner Brothers factory in Rochdale who produced asbestos woven textile products.

We will be writing a blog on each of these factories in the future.

The effects

You only have to Google the factories above to see the devastating effect these factories have had on their employees, local people, surrounding properties and the environment. Many surrounding properties are still contaminated with asbestos fibres and tonnes of ‘’waste asbestos’’ was dumped in pits on these sites.

These sites need continuous asbestos testing and monitoring until the site is cleared off.

Contact us here if you have any questions.

FAQ:

Q: What are the health risks associated with asbestos exposure?

A: Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases often develop decades after exposure and can have devastating effects on individuals’ health.

Q: What measures are being taken to address the dangers of existing asbestos factories?

A: Governments and organizations are working to ban or limit asbestos use and to ensure that existing factories are safely closed and dismantled. However, much work remains to be done, especially in developing countries where regulations may be less stringent.

Q: How can individuals seek medical attention if they suspect they’ve been exposed to asbestos?

A: If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of asbestos-related diseases can improve outcomes. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance and potential referral to specialists familiar with asbestos-related illnesses.