Improving asbestos knowledge among demolition workers through training after earthquakes.

Abstract

Background: Asbestos was widely used as insulation material in Türkiye's construction. It poses severe health risks, including mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that is often fatal.

Objective: This study aimed to determine and improve the knowledge about asbestos among employees of a building demolition workers in Elazığ.

Methods: Out of 82 employees in the demolition workers, 75 volunteered for the study after ethical approval was obtained. Training materials and survey forms were developed through a review of the literature. Surveys were conducted before and after the training sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, and a p-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: The participants were exclusively male, with an average age of 39.06 years. Among them, 40% were current smokers. Most had not received prior training on asbestos. Before the training, nearly half of the respondents (49.4%) were unaware of the procedures for asbestos check and removal prior to demolition. knowledge across all surveyed areas. The knowledge of demolition workers increased significantly after training.

Conclusion: Training significantly improved asbestos-related knowledge which was low before among the demolition workers, a group at high risk for asbestos exposure.