Machine Operatives

How are Machine Operatives Exposed to Asbestos?

Machine operatives were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. First, it is important to understand that machine operative is a general term used for anyone who operates machinery. Asbestos, because it was commonly used as as insulator, was often found in various types of machinery, and in fact, was one of th most widely used products of the industrial age. The insulating abilities of asbestos made it the perfect material to line brakes, cables and other parts of the inner workings of machinery.

One job that machine operatives often did was to grind down metal into predetermined shapes. Using a template, they manufactured metal parts for machinery and equipment. Grinding the metal created sparks and heat, which required protective clothing. The protective clothing that was used prior to 1978 was frequently woven from asbestos cloth. Asbestos is the only mineral that can be woven into textile cloth, and its ability to insulate against heat and flames made it the ideal choice for manufacturing protective clothing and gloves. While these protective items worked for their intended purpose, the clothing and gloves often led to machine operatives being exposed to asbestos. As the protective clothing became worn, microscopic asbestos fibers were released into the air, where they were easily inhaled or ingested by the machine operative. Additionally, the work area of the machine operative was often lined with asbestos to protect him and other workers from the sparks generated during the grinding process.

Machinery operative is also a term that could be used for people that operate the large floor polishers and waxers commonly used in the industrial setting. Because asbestos was used in the floor tiles of these buildings prior to 1978, the people responsible for sanding and polishing the floors were at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in these floor tiles because it provided not only insulation but also noise deadening qualities. This made it very popular for use in the industrial setting. When the machine operative ran the huge polishers over the asbestos tiles, stray fibers could easily be releases into the air.

Because there is no requirement for existing asbestos to be removed from a building, the machine operative in charge of polishing and waxing floors today is still at risk of asbestos exposure. While asbestos containing building materials are supposed to be replaced when they become worn, often the first indication of the aging process is when the machine operative notices that his polisher stirs up a fine dust as he is cleaning the floor. Because of this, anyone that is responsible for cleaning floors in buildings that were built prior to 1978 should consider wearing a respirator or HEPA filter face mask when cleaning and polishing the floors.

Machine operatives, depending on exactly what their job duties entailed, probably did not suffer the same exposure risk as miners or construction workers, but their health may still be at risk. Studies have failed to answer the question over whether the amount of asbestos someone is exposed to has a direct connection to their odds of developing health problems from the exposure. While some studies show a direct correlation between high levels of exposure and the development of asbestos related health issues, others studies had different results, inferring that even incidental exposure could cause health issues.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is hazardous for a variety of reasons. The two main reasons are mesothelioma and asbestosis, diseases that are directly connected to asbestos exposure. In addition, asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing other types of cancer. Researchers theorize that a gene responsible for slowing or stopping tumor growth is switched off by asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and often fatal form of cancer. Mesothelioma begins as tumors in the thin covering of the body's organs, typically the lungs. This covering is supposed to protect the organs. The tumors often do not show up on a chest x-ray until the disease is well advanced because they are sandwiched in between the thin layers of the mesothelium. Symptoms of mesothelioma are vague and often confused with other more common and less serious diseases, such as pneumonia. Coughing, fatigue and night sweats some of the early warning signs of mesothelioma. Pleural effusions, a warning sign of mesothelioma, is a build up of fluid in the mesothelium. By the time pleural effusions develop, the disease has often spread into other parts of the body, making treatment extremely difficult.

Asbestosis is a chronic disease of the lungs. People may develop asbestosis after exposure to asbestos on the job. This disease causes a decrease in the lung's ability to effectively move oxygen into and carbon dioxide out of the blood. The body, deprived of oxygen, is easily tired and patients have trouble catching their breath. Asbestosis eventually leads to respiratory failure.

Related News