Have you ever wondered why there is an increased focus on lung health in the fall? The answer is not as arbitrary as you may think. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Five Element Theory, which comprises of our connection to nature, also includes our organs. Within the framework, each vital organ is organized into a web of interconnected relationships between each other along with their respective connections to the seasons, certain foods and more. The lungs help the body maintain a healthy immune defense against pathogens and with fall being most associated with the beginning of flu season and other common ailments, it is during this time that lung-related recognition days are present.
To better understand the importance and need for these trainings, an in-depth look into the three toxins are laid out below.
Across several fields, such as construction, workers have to be mindful of asbestos, which causes a deadly cancer called mesothelioma. Though it is not harmful while contained, once the fibers are damaged or released into the air they become respirable. While lung cancer is one of the most common cancers because of smoking, asbestos is the number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States. Despite regulations, there is no safe amount of exposure, which is why it is best to have the proper training in handling it to avoid any and all possibilities of inhalation.Zack Academy offers over 30 different asbestos courses, the most popular is focused on asbestos removal. If you would like to remove, encapsulate, enclose, repair or disturb friable or non-friable asbestos, you will need to register for a 4-day Asbestos Worker/Handler course. If you would like to supervise Asbestos Workers, performing the duties listed above, you will need to then complete a 5-day Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor course. It’s important to remember, both of these courses require refresher training (Asbestos Worker Refresher & Asbestos Supervisor Refresher) to maintain your license and keep abreast of new removal methods.
Asbestos Inspector Initial and Refresher are another pair of popular asbestos courses. As you can guess from the name, it certifies home inspectors to test for – but not remove – asbestos.Chemicals
Industrial cleaning agents pose a threat to workers when there is a lack of ventilation or respiratory protection from the fumes they emit. When workers are left too long in an area where the fumes hang in the air they run the risk of the fumes causing acute or chronic inflammation to their lungs. Chemical pneumonia is associated with this type of exposure and the symptoms can vary greatly depending on the level of inhalation. Being in an open area with a pool can have minimal effects on the body such as burning eyes, whereas a smaller area with higher levels of chlorine or another toxic substance can cause respiratory failure and death.
It would take a seriously long blog post to review all the hazardous chemicals (and their associated courses) that could affect your lungs. Instead, let’s focus on the more popular HAZWOPER courses that will prepare you for many hazardous and potentially dangerous encounters and will help to keep you working safely at your workplace. Zack Academy offers basically every HAZWOPER course there is, be it 8-hour, 16-hour, or 24-hour. Each course is more intensive and goes into great depth to show students exactly how to handle hazardous chemicals.
Lead
Conclusion
Long story short – be safe, take the proper courses, and treat hazardous materials with a healthy respect.
Visit EI’s training site for more information regarding our asbestos, lead-based paint and safety course offerings.
Guest blog courtesy of EI’s training partner, Zack Academy.