ASBESTOS - “ CONTEMPORARY DISEASE” INHERITED FROM THE PAST

Abstract

Identified in a category as hazardous, asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials for human health.It is dangerous for all living species if freely released particles of asbestos from the air are breathed into the lungs.This mineral is mainly used in the construction and automotive industry due to its ability to strengthen and fireproofmaterials. Up to the 1980s, asbestos has been used for strengthening the construction materials widely used for theconstruction of business and living buildings.The intention of this paper is targeted to the broader auditorium in order to spread knowledge of the hidden dangerin buildings we are spending most of our lives, working, and resting time. Most of the population living in the citiesare not aware of asbestos and the consequence to human health arising from exposure to it, as well as pets and otherspecies cohabitating in a modern city environment.The danger of potential pollution of the living environment with the free asbestos particles generally occurs whilereconstruction works of the buildings erected in the period when asbestos was widely used for strengthening theconstruction materials.The paper will focus on asbestos usage nowadays, and the protection of the workers exposed to it during theworking process. Does Macedonian legislation deal with labor exposure to asbestos-containing materials and howthey are protected?