Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral known for its properties as heat-resistant, fire-resistant, chemical-resistant, electricity-resistant, non-abrasive, high tensile strength, and adsorption. It was these properties that made asbestos so popular in the construction and automotive industry back in the day. Unfortunately, it was found out that this amazing mineral comes with a downside to it. It causes mesothelioma, a fatal cancer! Asbestos, being a fibrous mineral, releases needle-like fibers in the air which when inhaled by humans can get trapped inside the lungs and can cause scarring and inflammation. This inflammation leads to asbestos toxicity (asbestosis) or mesothelioma in some people. Mesothelioma has no definitive cure as of now.
Following this finding, asbestos was banned in many countries, and alternative materials like fiberglass, polyurethane foam, mineral wool, and cellulose are in use. Asbestos was very popular from the early 20th century until the late 1970s in construction, automobiles, and home appliances like microwaves, hair dryers, and toasters. There still exist buildings with walls made up of asbestos. These buildings can be industries, schools, any other workplace, or even some apartments.
Second-hand Asbestos Exposure
Health risks associated with second-hand asbestos exposure are as deadly as health risks associated with first-hand exposure. It causes the same degree of mesothelioma and asbestosis. The fibers exhaled by asbestos remain suspended in the air and can hang on to the clothes, hair, and skin of the workers or people in the environment. These fibers when carried home, puts the family members of the workers at a great risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related disorders.
Preventing Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure
- Second-hand exposure can and should be prevented. Firstly, workers should be educated by the employers on the dangers of second-hand asbestos exposure and that it is as deadly as first-hand exposure.
- Secondly, workers should always be given PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as a gear to protect themselves from the asbestos fibers and for minimizing the asbestos transfer to their home through their hair, clothes, and skin.
- Thirdly, workers should always take a shower and change into fresh clothing before leaving their workplace so that their family members and especially kids are not exposed to asbestos fibers.
Contact Experts
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace and want to protect yourself and your family from asbestos exposure, the best way to do it is to contact professionals and get asbestos removed. One such expert at this is Ridaway. They guarantee 100% asbestos removal and are state-licensed and certified.
If asbestos insulation is removed, it will need to be replaced. Insulation replacement is usually expensive, but not with RidAway! Through Ridaways’ insulation Mass Save partner, Neeeco, they will take care of your asbestos insulation removal. For a limited time, they are offering 75-100% off on insulation, giving you a safe, energy-efficient home that will continue to save you money in the form of lower energy bills for years to come.
