Asbestos gloves still being used
Last Updated on 2 March 2023
Why were asbestos gloves used?
Asbestos mitts or gloves were often used for industrial purposes to protect the hands of workers from extremely high temperatures.
Asbestos is fire-resistant and also provides very effective insulation, which is why it was used in the manufacturing of many everyday products.
It was often used in the 20th century for many purposes, including a variety of a construction materials and protective clothing.
Materials containing asbestos were often used in steel plants, foundries, and glassworks, and also commonly used by firefighters as well.
It wasn’t until 1999 that the import and use of asbestos in manufacturing was finally banned in the UK following years of concern about the dangers of asbestos to health.
Asbestos gloves still being used despite asbestos ban
Unfortunately, despite being banned in the UK and other countries across the world in 1999 onwards, asbestos is still mined and exported in countries such as Russia, China and Kazakhstan.
As a result, some protective clothing is still being manufactured in those countries that contains deadly asbestos fibers.
Take a look below at some of the gloves we found in a factory recently, still being used!
When we pointed out that these gloves contained asbestos, they took them out of use, along with another three pairs they had in their stores!
Asbestos awareness is so important in order to protect the health of yourself and others around you.
By wearing any type of protective clothing that contains asbestos, you are at direct risk of asbestos exposure, particularly if the clothing becomes worn and damaged over time, thus releasing more fibers into the atmosphere.
Although the risk is considered to be relatively low compared to other types of asbestos exposure, there is still a risk from the loose asbestos fibers.
This exposure to asbestos over a long period of time could lead to asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer in years to come.
Get in touch with any asbestos queries
If you are in any doubt about any products that could potentially contain asbestos and need help to identify it then please get in touch for our professional opinion.
Our professional consultants will identify potential asbestos materials on your premises when you arrange an asbestos survey with R B Asbestos.
You can also get in touch with us if you require any help when it comes to asbestos testing, asbestos surveys or asbestos training.
Contact our friendly team today on 0800 141 2676 and we’ll be happy to help, or fill in our online contact form for a free no obligation quote.
