Asbestos was once a popular material for insulation and fireproofing, but it is now known to cause serious health problems. Asbestos removal is a profitable industry, and professionals must wear respirators to protect themselves. Half masks are suitable for small jobs, but full masks are necessary for prolonged exposure. Protective eyewear and coveralls should also be worn, and the work area should be segregated with plastic sheets.
For a long time, asbestos was thought to be a wonder material, offering a simple and inexpensive way to insulate buildings and make them fireproof. By the early 20th century, it had become the material of choice in fireproof homes, businesses, and schools. Within years, however, studies emerged which showed that asbestos was in fact a highly dangerous substance when inhaled, causing serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, its use has been banned or severely restricted in most developed countries, and asbestos removal has become a highly profitable industry. For asbestos removal professionals and professionals alike, wearing an asbestos respirator when removing it from walls and ceilings is absolutely crucial to its safe enterprise.
The reason asbestos is so dangerous is that its fibers build up in the lungs, causing cancer and other related problems. The general consensus among experts is that long-term, moderate exposure is worse for health than even short-term, high-level exposure. For asbestos removal professionals, therefore, exposure to asbestos should be limited in duration, regardless of the protection worn. The important thing to remember when it comes to using an asbestos respirator is that even the best and most expensive models are only designed to provide limited protection.
The types of asbestos respirator on the market can be divided into two broad categories: half mask and full mask. The decision on which to use depends largely on the job at hand. If only a small amount of asbestos removal is needed, or in cases where the asbestos has already been physically removed from the walls or ceilings and only needs to be moved or vacuumed, a half mask design is usually sufficient.
For effective asbestos removal or prolonged exposure to the material for another reason, a full asbestos mask becomes necessary. Half masks provide about half the protection of full masks and also cost about a quarter of the price. However, when it comes to avoiding exposure, the cost of safety equipment should be low on your priority list.
While probably the most important element, an asbestos respirator is still only part of the equation when it comes to protecting yourself when removing asbestos. Protective eyewear, preferably wrap-around glasses, should be worn at all times when working on an asbestos site. Additionally, hooded coveralls are the best way to prevent contamination of personal clothing. A workplace, whether it is a single room or a series of rooms, should be segregated from other areas with ceiling to floor length plastic sheets to ensure there is no spread of this hazardous material.
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