Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Statistics show that there are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma prevention is about eliminating the cause of the disease: asbestos. The most number of mesothelioma cases are occupational-related, while non-occupational related or secondary mesothelioma cases are not rare. Mesothelioma prevention should start by knowing the sources of asbestos, and knowing how to remove them.
Certain types of workers are considered at high risk for mesothelioma based on the nature of occupation that they have. The following are workers considered as high risk:
- Brick layers, longshoremen, drywall contractors, electricians, drillers, miners, sheet metal workers, painters, mechanics (exposure to asbestos in brakes and clutches), and building inspectors
- Occupations that include manufacture of asbestos such as fireproofing and plumbing; manufacture of gaskets, floor tiles, pipe coverings, and cement
- Workers in asbestos-manufacturing factories
- People employed in shipyards, rail yard, oil refinery, and building industries
For people working in the trades describes above, make sure that workplace regulations as defined by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for mesothelioma prevention are in place. Some asbestos fibers may attach to hair, skin, and clothing, and you can put your family at risk if brought home. For mesothelioma prevention, federal laws now require workers to follow several precautions including:
- Showering before leaving the workplace
- Storing clothes separate from work clothes in the workplace
- Changing out of work clothes into street clothes before leaving the workplace
- Washing work clothes at workplace
Some studies have also shown that workers who smoke have higher chances of developing mesothelioma than those who don't.
Studies have shown that non-occupational exposure in public buildings, schools, and homes also occur since asbestos is used in building materials such insulation and plumbing. Use of asbestos in building materials and paints was prevalent especially from the 1930s to the 1970s. For non-occupational mesothelioma prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a number of steps.
Asbestos was used in the production of roofs, siding shingles, vinyl floor tiles, adhesives, stove top pads, and hot water pipes. Homes built before the 1950s may be more likely to have used materials containing asbestos. If you suspect presence of asbestos in your home, have samples of your building materials removed and laboratory-tested by an asbestos professional.
Do not disturb asbestos materials. This will only release fibrous materials into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Do not sweep asbestos materials, or sand, scrape, and drill holes into materials that may contain asbestos. Contact an asbestos abatement or removal professional to remove asbestos-containing materials from your home.
If there are asbestos fibers on the floor or any surface of your home, never sweep or vacuum them as they will only cause fibers to go airborne. Contact an asbestos abatement professional right away for proper removal of fibers.
Public buildings should do the same mesothelioma prevention steps such as having building materials sampled, cleaned, and removed by asbestos professionals.
Source by Linka Po