November 24, 2021 It is irrefutable that mesothelioma is a highly fatal disease resulting from exposure to asbestos. It is typical for cases where initial asbestos exposure is not realized for patients to receive a diagnosis of advanced mesothelioma. This diagnosis often comes only after symptoms manifest, at which point it is already too late. The best outcomes arise from finding that cancer as early as possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The only way to achieve these outcomes is through awareness of where these exposures might occur. In cases of occupational exposure, workers are more conscious of their heightened risk. Alternatively, it is the non-occupational exposures to asbestos that catch people off-guard, where the general population is more vulnerable to unknowingly acquiring the disease in their own homes.
Knowing Where Asbestos May Occur Can Improve Patient Outcomes
The problem is not just that people let their guard down in the comfort of their homes. It is more troubling that they do not know to look for the toxin that could be lurking in their personal space. Older buildings across Louisiana may still contain asbestos from when it was widely used in the US until the 1970s. But more surprisingly, asbestos is still manufactured and used in the States. This makes it a bigger threat to Americans who assume asbestos is already banned due to the well-known dangers. According to the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2020, the chlor-alkali industry is the primary US asbestos importer. Chlor-alkali is big business in the gulf state of Louisiana, where the industry is projected to continue growing. However, the fact that 55 other developed countries have banned asbestos entirely leads many to assume it is banned here in the US, resulting in further complacency regarding safe handling and health in the home. By changing this narrative with greater awareness of potential asbestos exposure in domestic settings, it is possible to improve patients’ outcomes by either catching it earlier or avoiding exposure altogether.
Asbestos Dust Follows Workers Home
One way asbestos makes it into the home is when it is carried in unknowingly on workers’ clothing. These workers may be a part of the asbestos industry or work in adjacent fields where exposure is common. Those professions have proven to be a risk to the workers themselves and their families or roommates with whom they live. A recent study has revealed that the groups most affected by non-occupational exposures include women and older adults. Many of these women are spending more time in the home or are responsible for washing the asbestos-contaminated laundry. Second-hand non-occupational asbestos exposure levels are typically lower than those found in the workplace, but they account for around 20% of mesothelioma cases in industrialized countries.
Home Renovations Can Lead to Asbestos Exposure
Those who have no known connections to anyone from the asbestos industry cannot assume their home is safe from asbestos. Since asbestos is not banned or recalled and continues to be manufactured in the US, there are ever new and existing ways to be exposed. It is important to know that older homes and buildings may still contain asbestos material in the pipes, cement, roof shingles, popcorn ceiling, floor tiles, textured paint, and insulation from the original construction. As these materials age they can crumble, releasing airborne asbestos into the home environment. Renovating these old buildings is common, especially with so many people working remotely. Before knocking out that wall, however, it is critical to understand that the renovation process can create dust, resulting in yet another avenue of asbestos exposure.
Some common exposure scenarios include renovating an attic containing contaminated insulation, removing vinyl floor tiles, drilling into drywall, popcorn ceiling removal, and cutting pipes. Some of the seemingly less challenging upgrades might tempt DIY homeowners to take it on themselves, unaware of the dangers and without the proper protective equipment. The best thing a property owner can do if they think they have asbestos in their home is to contact an asbestos removal professional with the appropriate equipment and licensing to take care of it safely.
How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffer from a disease caused by asbestos like mesothelioma, we can help.
