Asbestos-related occupational risks (full text in pdf)
Tatjana Golubović 1, a
Ana Miltojević 1,b
Slobodan Golubović 3,c
Sreten Ilić4,d
1, 2University of Niš, Faculty of Occupational Safety in Niš
3Institute for Quality of Working and Living Environment “1 May”, LLC Niš
4Military Technical Institute, Belgrade
atatjana.golubovic@znrfak.ni.ac.rs
bana.miltojevic@ znrfak.ni.ac.rs
cslobodan.golubovic69@gmail.com
dilicsreten@sbb.rs
Abstract Despite the common knowledge of its harmful effects, asbestos is still used worldwide. It is
estimated that about 125 million workers around the globe are exposed to asbestos in the workplace, while at
least 90,000 people die annually from asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos dust is generated during mining,
during separation of fibres from the serpentine part, and during processing in various industry branches.
Employees involved in these production processes are especially at risk. Chronic exposure to asbestos can
increase the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is usually reduced through
replacement of asbestos with materials with similar properties and through the use of personal protective
equipment. Disease prevention requires the implementation of strict asbestos removal procedures, ban on
further use, and registering of persons exposed to asbestos, including their follow-up or preventive medical
check-ups.
Keywords: Asbestos; occupational risks.