Asbestos Exposure

The dangerous illnesses asbestosis and mesothelioma have only one known cause: exposure to asbestos. In the US, most of these exposures occurred between the turn of the 20th century, when asbestos use became widely popular, and the 1970′s, when government regulations on asbestos were finally put into place. Sadly, asbestos was used – and can sometimes still be found – in more places that many people realize.

Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer can all take years or even decades to develop before victims begin experiencing symptoms. Please take the time to review the following articles about common asbestos exposure sites. If you have lived or worked in any of these environments, especially if it was prior to 1980, you may want to talk to your doctor about your chances of developing lung disease.

Asbestos Exposure Locations

Follow the links below for important information about a variety of locations in which asbestos has been found, and may still be found today in some cases:

• On the Job / Occupational Exposure
• Asbestos in Shipyards
• Asbestos in Mines
• Asbestos in Metalworking
• Asbestos in Construction
• Asbestos in Chemical Plants
• Asbestos in Consumer Products
• Asbestos in the Home
• Asbestos in the Navy
• Asbestos in Nature
• Asbestos in Power Plants
• Asbestos in School
• Secondary Exposure
• Other Sites

Asbestos exposure does not necessarily cause immediate symptoms. In addition, many businesses have been caught concealing information about asbestos exposure among their employees, customers, and surrounding communities. As a result, it is all too easy to be exposed to toxic levels of asbestos without knowing it until it is too late.

How to Respond to Asbestos

Even though asbestos is closely regulated, it can still be found today in some older buildings and consumer goods. If you think you may have found asbestos in your home or place of work, it is important to respond correctly. Remember, there is no way to distinguish between asbestos and other, harmless minerals on your own; it requires lab analysis.

If you have any suspicions that you have found asbestos in a building, take the following steps:

• Do not touch it. Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers break apart and become airborne; when asbestos is left undisturbed, the risk to the people around it is much lower.
• Call a professional. He or she will have the equipment and training necessary to remove a part of the asbestos for testing. While the sample is being taken, make sure no one is in the area unless they need to be there and have the proper safety equipment.
• If the substance is asbestos, you will once again need to let professionals handle it. They may decide to remove the asbestos from the building, or seal it behind metal or concrete to prevent fibers from escaping into the air.

When looking for a professional to handle the risk in your home or workplace, make sure the company you contact is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.