Exposure to Asbestos
Dangerous
diseases asbestosis and mesothelioma have only one known cause: long-term
exposure to asbestos mineral. In the United States, most of these
exposures occurred between the late 20th century, when asbestos use became very
popular, and the 1970's, when government regulations on asbestos were finally
established. Unfortunately, asbestos was used - and can
still be found - in more places than people realize.
Mesothelioma,
asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer can take years or even decades to
develop before victims begin to feel symptoms. Please take the time to
review the following articles on common asbestos exposure sites. If you have lived or
worked in any of these settings, especially if it was before 1980, you should
consider talking to your doctor about your chances of developing lung disease.
Locations
of Exposure to Asbestos
Follow
the links below for important information on a variety of locations in which
asbestos has been found, and may still be found today in some cases:
- At Work / Occupational Exposure
- Asbestos in the Shipyards
- Asbestos in the Mines
- Asbestos in Metallurgy
- Asbestos in Construction
- Asbestos in Chemical Plants
- Asbestos in Consumer Products
- Asbestos in the House
- Asbestos in Nature
- Asbestos in Energy Plants
- Asbestos in School
- Other places
Exposure
to asbestos does not necessarily cause immediate symptoms. In addition, many
businesses have hidden information about asbestos exposure from their
employees, customers, and surrounding communities. Consequently, it is very
easy to be exposed to toxic levels of asbestos without knowing it until it is
too late.
How
to Respond to Asbestos
Although
asbestos is regulated, it can still be found today in older buildings and
consumer products. If you think you might have found asbestos
in your home or place of employment, it is very important that you respond
correctly. Remember, there is no way you can only
distinguish between asbestos and other harmless minerals; Requires laboratory
analysis.
If
you suspect that you have found asbestos in a building, take the following
steps:
·
Do
not touch it. Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers
are separated and transported through the air.
·
Call
a professional. He or she will have the equipment and
training necessary to remove a part of the asbestos to take a test. While the sample is
taken, make sure no one is in the area unless they need to be there and have
the necessary safety equipment.
·
If
the substance is asbestos, you will again have to let the professionals handle
it. They may decide to remove asbestos from the building, or
seal it behind metal or concrete to prevent fibers from escaping into the air.
When
you are looking for a professional to handle the risk in your home or work,
make sure that the company you contact is approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
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