Asbestista

Asbestista refers to a worker who handles asbestos. This occupation historically involved tasks such as mining asbestos ore, manufacturing asbestos-containing products, and installing or removing asbestos materials. Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals, was widely used in construction and manufacturing for its insulating and fire-resistant properties.

However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Due to these severe health risks, the use of asbestos has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries. Consequently, the role of an asbestista has largely evolved into that of an asbestos abatement professional.

Today, asbestistas are trained and certified specialists who safely remove, encapsulate, or dispose of asbestos-containing materials in buildings and other structures. This work requires strict adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment, containment of work areas, and proper disposal methods to prevent the release of airborne asbestos fibers. The demand for these professionals remains high in areas where asbestos was extensively used in older construction.