Asbestos Audit - March 2024
Asbestos Audit Ltd
Asbestos Surveys | Testing | Asbestos In Soils | Asbestos Removal | Environmental Consultants | Training | UKAS-17020
Welcome to the March 2024 edition of our e-newsletter. This month’s edition is packed full of insights from the Asbestos Management and Remediation?section of the Environmental Services Industry.
Read on to learn more.
Health Risks of Aging Asbestos Cement Water Pipes
A burst Asbestos Containing pipe in Stannington, a suburb of Sheffield, England, affected over 3,000 homes, highlighting the potential risk of asbestos exposure through drinking water.
The widespread use of Asbestos Containing pipes since the early 1900s has lead to public health concerns due to their deterioration. In the UK alone, 23,000 miles of Asbestos Containing piping have been installed, and in the US, there are over 630,000 miles of such pipes.
Scientists and public health experts are divided on the risks posed by asbestos fibres in drinking water. While asbestos is a known carcinogen when inhaled, causing conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma, the risk from ingestion is less clear. Some studies suggest a link between asbestos in drinking water and gastrointestinal cancers, but the evidence is mixed. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not currently consider asbestos ingestion through drinking water a significant risk to human health, although some countries have adopted precautionary measures.
Experts like Professor Arthur Frank from Drexel University call for more detailed research into the health impacts of ingested asbestos fibres. Meanwhile, international and national regulations vary, with some countries such as Australia taking proactive steps to replace aging Asbestos Containing pipes with modern replacements. The WHO calls for minimizing asbestos fibre concentrations in drinking water as much as possible, reflecting ongoing debates and concerns over the safety of drinking water supplied through Asbestos Containing pipes.
A Major Breakthrough in Mesothelioma Treatment: Hope on the Horizon
A ground-breaking drug has significantly improved treatment for mesothelioma, a type of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, marking the most substantial advancement in the disease's treatment in twenty years. Mesothelioma, which typically develops in the lung lining and is known for its high mortality rates, annually affects thousands worldwide, many of whom were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces.
The Impact of ADI-PEG20 on Patients
Scientists are celebrating the introduction of a novel therapy, which in a multinational study led by Queen Mary University of London, demonstrated the ability to quadruple the three-year survival rate for patients. This trial involved a new drug, ADI-PEG20 (pegargiminase), that disrupts the tumour's nutrient supply and was tested alongside chemotherapy. The study's promising outcomes were published in the journal JAMA Oncology.
One participant, an 80-year-old man exposed to asbestos in the 1970s, shared his personal success with the treatment, highlighting its life-extending impact. Before the trial, he was given a four-month prognosis but has since lived five years, cherishing time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The drug ADI-PEG20, developed after two decades of research led by Professor Peter Szlosarek, stands out for being the first in twenty years to effectively combine with chemotherapy for treating mesothelioma. The trial involved patients from the UK, US, Australia, Italy, and Taiwan, where half received the new drug and the other half a placebo. Results showed that those treated with ADI-PEG20 and chemotherapy had a median survival of 9.3 months, compared to 7.7 months for those receiving the placebo and chemotherapy.
ADI-PEG20 functions by depleting arginine in the bloodstream, targeting a unique vulnerability in mesothelioma cells that lack the protein ASS1, necessary for producing arginine. This strategic approach halts tumor growth.
The Path Forward: Trials and Testimonies
The study's success is a testament to the importance of foundational research, highlighting a new, hopeful avenue for treating mesothelioma. Researchers and patient advocacy groups alike look forward to making this treatment widely available, offering a new lifeline to those battling this devastating disease.
Artex is a trade name for Textured Coating used for decades all over the world. The material has various names and visual appearances depending upon the makeup. In the UK asbestos was often added into decorative coverings up until the end of 1999 to improve the hardiness of the product and the fire resistance.
As with any material that could contain asbestos, it is always recommended to have the material tested for asbestos prior to any disturbance. If left in a good condition and painted, Asbestos Artex can remain in situ and poses a low risk. It is only when the material is disturbed that it can pose a risk to health from Asbestos Exposure.
Asbestos Artex can be found on internal walls, ceilings, stairs and external renders.
There is no way to tell if asbestos is in Artex without laboratory analysis.
领英推荐
THE IMPORTANCE OF SAMPLING ARTEX BEFORE ASBESTOS REMOVAL
It is vitally important that you test for asbestos prior to removing Artex. Without a test, you could be paying for asbestos to be removed that that may not be present. Alternately, you may be removing an asbestos containing material that is harmful to your health or your contractors and possibly contaminating your home or workplace.
If in doubt get it tested - Call 01913008541 to have your material tested today.
DO I NEED TO REMOVE ASBESTOS ARTEX?
If Asbestos Artex is found within your home or workplace it may not be necessary to remove it. If the material is in good condition and sealed or painted then it can often be left in situ undisturbed and remain there for many years. The material may require an Asbestos Management Plan to comply with The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR2012).
REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS ARTEX
The removal of Asbestos Artex is often a very destructive and potentially hazardous operation. It requires the use of enclosures, trained personnel, asbestos H-Vac units, air testing and hazardous waste transport. As such it is best left to the professionals. The material is physically scraped off or the entire panels are removed leaving a fully cleaned area. The Artex should be coated in X-Tex to bind the material and aid in the safe removal process.
Air testing and visual assessments are then undertaken by an independent UKAS accredited laboratory to ensure all works have been completed and the area is safe to enter.
If you need help with Asbestos Removal of Artex or Textured Coating please call 01913008541 or contact us on the form below.
If you're interested in learning more about Asbestos or have concerns check out our blog posts here or contact us.
How can Asbestos Audit help?
The Asbestos Audit management team can talk you through every step of the survey process ensuring you are compliant with the current Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. We offer practical impartial asbestos and safety advice to clients large and small.
The Asbestos Audit team works in partnership with building owners, duty holders, and site managers for commercial, industrial, and domestic buildings to ensure compliance and safety at all times.
We cover the whole of the UK and further afield where required.
Our asbestos survey costs include all samples, site inspection by trained surveyors, full reports to HSG-264, and any associated recommendations and consultancy. All works are fully quoted, and costs are confirmed before we come to the site.
Our teams can assist with any of the following asbestos-related works -
If you would like further information on our range of surveys and consultancy. Please contact your local office or click below to get in touch