OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewHealth Hazards in ConstructionEasy
A construction crew is demolishing an old building containing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Which of the following is the primary health risk associated with exposure to asbestos?
- ATemporary hearing loss.
- BShort-term respiratory infections.
- CChronic lung diseases and cancers.
- DAcute skin rashes and irritation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Chronic lung diseases and cancers.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is primarily associated with severe, long-term health effects such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which manifest years after exposure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Temporary hearing loss is related to noise exposure, not asbestos.
- B. Asbestos causes chronic, not short-term, respiratory issues, including cancer.
- D. Skin rashes are not a primary health risk of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious, often fatal, lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, typically with a long latency period.
- Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can be inhaled.
- Diseases manifest years after initial exposure.
- No safe level of asbestos exposure is recognized.
Memory trick: Asbestos: A Silent Killer, Chronic Illness Forever.