Are You Living In or Working Among Asbestos?

Asbestos use has a long and controversial history. When it was first used, in the late 1800’s, there were no known health complications associated with the use of asbestos. In fact, due to its sturdy properties, asbestos helped to strengthen and secure certain industries and as a result was widely used. However, a century later, asbestos use and the exposure to it was revealed in a negative light. Workers of various industries, who are exposed to or work with asbestos containing materials on a daily basis, are at a greater risk of developing an aggressive cancer, mesothelioma. According to Belluck & Fox, those at risk for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may include naval personnel, shipyard workers, and power plant workers.

A Brief History of Asbestos Use

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and do not conduct electricity. Due to its durable nature, asbestos has been used in a variety of industries and was mined and used commercially since the 1880’s. Although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began to ban the use of asbestos in certain products such as wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces, asbestos use in a variety of products continued. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos, but uses developed before 1989 are still allowed, meaning that many of today’s products and buildings still contain asbestos.

What are the Dangers Today?

If you live or work in an environment, where asbestos is present, you are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than those individuals who are not in the presence of asbestos. While Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA monitors and regulates existing asbestos, asbestos can be particularly dangerous when damaged or broken down. Although there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure, if asbestos remains intact and undisturbed, individuals are less likely to breath in the microscopic fibers, which can ultimately lead to mesothelioma.

Where is Asbestos Present?

Although asbestos removal has been performed in certain building, such as schools, or in areas where asbestos is damaged, asbestos containing materials may be anywhere from your home to workplace. Some products which may contain asbestos includes, but is not limited to: textured ceiling (popcorn ceiling), boiler and furnace insulation, linoleum, roofing materials, attic insulation, and gardening materials.

The best way to avoid exposure to asbestos is by not handling any of the materials. If you notice or suspect that a material (containing asbestos) may be damaged, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Notify authorities in your workplace or if found in your home, call an asbestos inspection/removal professional. If you are unsure whether or not a product contains asbestos, call the manufacturer of the product.

If you used to work or live in an environment containing asbestos, pay attention to your health or make an appointment with your doctor. Mesothelioma typically does not surface until decades after exposure and since it’s an aggressive form of cancer, early detection may make treatments more effective.