İlhan, who works in the region as a member of the Ministry of Health’s Post-earthquake Public Health Commission, made statements about what should be done to protect public health in the debris removal works that continue after the earthquakes.
Stating that tons of rubble emerged after the destruction in the region after the earthquakes, Ilhan drew attention to the dust generated during the removal and pouring of these, and said, “There is a risk of silicosis and asbestos-related lung diseases if the dust is inhaled.”
Pointing out that tons of rubble has emerged due to the destruction in the provinces affected by the earthquake and that the possibility of using asbestos in old buildings is high, İlhan continued his words as follows: “Asbestos and silica are agents that cause respiratory disease. Asbestos is inhaled and causes lung cancer and lung cancer. At the same time, cancer of the peritoneum can occur.Both asbestos and silica particles cause chronic lung disease.This leads to risks such as gradually decreasing airway capacity with the disease that occurs in the lungs.Both of them involve the lung. Therefore, these factors should not be inhaled. “At the moment, these are in question in the earthquake zone. Therefore, it is important to carry out on-site control.”
“WET WORKING AND WEARING AN ASBESTEST PROTECTIVE MASK IS THE BEST APPROACH”
İlhan said the following about the precautions to be taken in places where the debris is removed and spilled: “It is necessary to work wet, that is, wet before removing the debris. It is a difficult process, but the prevention of dust smoke provides a good control in terms of disease development. “For this, wetting should be done on the whole. Employees are already in the cabins. It is important that the window of the cabin is not opened and special masks are not removed during this work, if possible.
Citizens should stay away from the area as much as possible while these works are being carried out so that they do not breathe the dust. In addition to the earthquake victims and employees in this region, there are also our citizens and public officials trying to help from outside. These people should also wear masks if they are in areas close to the wreckage. The second important measure is the use of a special mask. This should be special masks that are especially protective against these risks. Because these masks have a protective feature especially from asbestos.”
“WET CLEAN CLOTHING AND HOLDING IT IN THE MOUTH PROTECTS AGAINST ALLERGY”
Pointing out that those with lung disease or allergic disease should not be in the area to avoid being exposed to the sudden effects of dust, İlhan said, “For those who do not have these opportunities, holding a clean cloth in the mouth by soaking will at least protect against allergies.” gave the information.
prof. Dr. İlhan stated that health follow-ups for the people of the region are carried out by the Ministry of Health.
