What to know if you come in contact with Asbestos

If asbestos touches your skin, the immediate risk is generally minimal compared to inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibres. However, skin contact with asbestos can still pose some concerns. Asbestos fibres are tiny and sharp, which can cause skin irritation. When asbestos dust or fibres come into contact with your skin, they can cause itching, rashes, or a feeling of discomfort similar to other fine, fibrous materials like fiberglass.

One of the primary concerns with asbestos touching your skin is the potential for transferring fibres to your clothing, hair, or other surfaces. This can lead to secondary exposure, where fibres are later inhaled or ingested when they become airborne. If you come into contact with asbestos, it is essential to avoid spreading fibres. Remove and wash any contaminated clothing separately, shower thoroughly, and clean any surfaces that may have been contaminated.

While the direct risk from skin contact is low, handling or disturbing asbestos materials can release fibres into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation. It is critical to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are managed and handled correctly to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.

If you come into contact with asbestos, it is important to take several steps to ensure safety. Immediately stop any activity that could disturb the asbestos material further. Remove any clothing that may have asbestos fibres on it and place it in a sealed bag. Wash the clothes separately from other laundry. Shower and wash your hair to remove any fibres from your body. To prevent fibres from getting into your mouth or nose, avoid touching your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands and body.

Dispose of any contaminated items according to local regulations, as asbestos is considered hazardous waste. If there is significant asbestos contamination, contact a professional asbestos removal company to safely assess and handle the situation.

While skin contact with asbestos is not as hazardous as inhaling or ingesting fibres, it is still important to handle any potential exposure with care. Proper cleaning, decontamination, and professional handling of asbestos-containing materials can help mitigate risks and ensure safety.