No workplace is free of risks. You could work in an office and trip over your chair. You could work in retail and have products fall off of the shelves and onto you. You are never able to escape every single risk in an everyday environment. 

But the risk to life in most workplaces is far smaller in comparison to those who work with asbestos. Asbestos is the single biggest cause of work-related deaths globally, and it needs to change.

Every year, 90,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases. Another 125 million people remain at risk, wondering if they, too, will succumb to an illness caused by their work environment.

Even with an emphasis on health and safety in much of the western world, asbestos still claims the lives of over 1.3 million U.S workers in industrial work and construction. That figure would be much higher when you factor in the rest of the world.

Construction workers, firefighters, millers, miners, electricians, insulators, they are all at risk. Not to mention those who live with those people who may be at risk of secondary exposure through something as simple as embracing them in a hug, or washing their clothing.

The worst part is, it’s all avoidable. Banning the use of asbestos, where it is now illegal in 60 countries (but not the United States) and putting measures in place to manage its use could stop tens of thousands of people from dying of asbestos-related illnesses.

How can you help? What part do you play in creating an asbestos-free world? Read on to find out how much you really matter in the fight against asbestos.

Spread the word

You might think you are only one person with a desire for asbestos to be gone for good, but you are one of 7.7 billion. You can help to create an asbestos-free world by making sure as many people know about what it is, what it does, and who is affected by it. Share your story if you have one that’s personal to you, and inspire others to share their stories. Start a chain reaction.

One of the best platforms for getting the word out there is social media. There are 2.41 billion active people on Facebook, so take advantage of the masses. Create a page, invite people to be a part of it, and encourage others to get talking about how deadly this mineral can be. You can’t fight the good fight alone, but you can ensure there is a platform for all those who believe in your cause to fight along with you.

Share resources

Most people know that asbestos is a harmful material that used to feature prominently in building materials and other products. However, not everyone is as well-informed as they should be about the risks, what it could be in, and how to spot it.

The more information you can share and find, the better people will understand and appreciate your cause. They will also be inclined to do all they can to spread the word with you.

There is plenty of information on the internet which outlines what asbestos is, what illnesses it can cause, and where you can find it.

Asbestos is responsible for (and related to) lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer. It can also cause non-cancerous conditions such as pleuritis, atelectasis, asbestosis, pleural plaques and effusions, and diffuse pleural thickening.

It exists as six fibrous materials, with chrysolite the most commonly used one for its heat, fire, electricity, and chemical resistance. It accounts for 95 per cent of asbestos in the world. It’s also commonly found in building materials as well as appliances, cookware, tools, vehicles, roofing, fire blankets, upholstery, and more.

Spread the word, tell your friends, and share any valuable information you believe could make a difference in someone’s life.

Be a part of the global revolution

The World Health Organisation has been working hard on a global campaign for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases. This campaign forms part of assembly resolution 58.22 on cancer prevention and includes avoidable exposure – including environmental and workplace chemical exposure.

In resolution 60.26, the World Health Organisation requested to carry out a campaign to find cost-effective interventions for “prevention of occupational lung diseases from exposure to asbestos”. This campaign is particularly targeted at countries that still use chrysotile asbestos, such as the United States, and those who have exposure from historical use.

The WHO is working toward the elimination of asbestos-related diseases in collaboration with civil society, intergovernmental organisations, and the International Labour Organisation. Their plan outlines the goal to stop all use of asbestos, provide safer substitutes, offer safe removal methods, and improve diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. 

It also vows to provide information on hazards pertaining to asbestos, and how to treat waste containing asbestos.

Do your part for an asbestos-free world

Now’s your time to shine. Be informed. Be educated. Spread the word. Make your cause stand out from the crowd. The more people that know about asbestos risks, the faster the world can move toward an asbestos-free existence.