Asbestos Exposure & Related Health Concerns

The dangers associated with exposure to asbestos are a very real concern for many people. Many professionals work in industries where they are exposed to asbestos on a daily basis – some may not even know it.

Prior to the 1980’s, when the risks associated with asbestos were finally recognized, asbestos-containing materials were very widely used. Many structural implements contained at least 1% asbestos, including insulation, drywall, acoustical plaster, floor & ceiling tiles, roofing tiles, and even duct tape. Over 35 million residences within the U.S. contain these materials.

Asbestos fibers are extremely tiny and have a claw-like structure. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, whether it is during construction or renovation or as a result of a natural disaster, these tiny asbestos fibers may become airborne, putting individuals at risk for inhalation. If inhaled, the fibers can cling to the lining of the body’s internal organs (most generally, the pleural lining of the lungs) and can lie latent there for up to fifty years. Exposure to asbestos is conclusively linked to the eventual development of mesothelioma, a deadly and aggressive form of cancer that most commonly attacks the pleural lining of the lungs. However, there are additional forms of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, which attacks the lining of the heart.

There are many ways to prevent asbestos exposure. If you are a professional who works with asbestos-containing materials on a regular basis, it is crucial to understand safety rules and regulations. Individuals who handle these materials, such as construction workers, firefighters, or damage restoration technicians, should wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times to avoid inhalation. Disposal clothing items, including gloves, should also be worn, as asbestos fibers can cling to clothing items. Eyewear should also be worn at all times when handling asbestos. It is also crucial to have cross-ventilation in the workplace. If you are an individual who suspects that you may have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos, you should consult a doctor immediately.

The consequences of asbestos exposure are very discouraging. Mesothelioma has no known cure and a survival rate of less than 1%. There are mesothelioma treatment options available, and doctors & scientists continue to work towards finding a cure.

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web’s foremost authority on asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment, and more. For additional information, visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Center site at www.maacenter.org.