Four Major Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Present Times

Asbestos, once celebrated for its remarkable durability and heat resistance, has turned into a notorious villain in the world of building materials. Back in the day, it was the go-to material for everything from insulation to roofing because it could withstand fire and last practically forever.

But fast forward a few decades, and we now know that those tiny, invisible fibers can cause some serious health issues when inhaled. These include serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Despite all the regulations and efforts to limit its use, asbestos is still lurking in many places. This poses a significant concern for anyone who comes into contact with it. So, let’s take a closer look at the four major sources of asbestos exposure. 

Construction and Renovation of Buildings

One of the most common sources of asbestos exposure is the construction and renovation of buildings, especially the older ones. Asbestos was extensively utilized in construction materials from the beginning of the 20th century until the late 1970s. 

Recently, the report of finding asbestos in a Brisbane school has alarmed many parents. Parents are extremely worried after finding out that their kids might still be exposed to asbestos at a primary school in Queensland. They’re saying that a quick fix hasn’t made the classrooms any safer. There’s a real fear that the children have been breathing in asbestos fibers for months, maybe even years.

It all started when a teacher noticed dust falling from the ceiling at Rochedale State School. This led to the evacuation of two classroom blocks for first, second, and third graders. The education department took 89 samples, and four days later, parents were told that 14 of those samples tested positive for asbestos. 

This is not the first time asbestos has been found in many public places, and people have taken legal action for this. In these places, asbestos was mostly used in insulation, flooring, and roofing. According to the National Library of Medicine, about 90% of it went into cement sheets and pipes. But that means these things are everywhere right?

Are you wondering if your home might have asbestos too? The chances can’t be fully ruled out, considering its widespread use.

Now if you are asking yourself, “Can I sue for asbestos exposure?”,  the answer is yes.

If you’re renting and believe you’ve been harmed by asbestos exposure, and your landlord knew about it, you might have a case. According to TorHoerman Law, you can sue for asbestos exposure just like others have done. However, you’ll need a lawyer who knows these cases inside and out to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t hesitate to take steps to protect your health and rights in such situations.

Occupational Exposure

Certain occupations carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure due to the nature of the work and the materials handled. 

Construction workers, especially those involved in the demolition, renovation, and maintenance of older buildings, are particularly at risk. Another group is shipyard workers; they use a lot of asbestos in shipbuilding for insulation and fireproofing, so they can be exposed to it. 

According to BMC Public Health, approximately 125 million people globally are currently exposed to asbestos at work. Out of the roughly 255,000 annual deaths from asbestos exposure, an overwhelming majority, around 233,000 deaths, are work-related. 

Environmental Exposure

Asbestos isn’t just found in old buildings or mines; sometimes, it’s in our natural surroundings, too. For example, people who live near old asbestos mines or processing plants can breathe in asbestos fibers from the air. On top of that, bad practices like improper waste dumping can also expose you to asbestos. 

Just recently, asbestos roofing materials were illegally dumped in Queensland’s Cherbourg Forest Reserve, as reported by 9 News. Park rangers found old roof panels with wooden trim, some painted green, that were likely dumped in the past six months. Dumping trash in national parks or forests is illegal to begin with, but when it’s asbestos, it’s even more serious. 

The state’s wildlife authorities are looking into this and have removed the hazardous material. It’s a reminder of how important it is to handle asbestos properly to protect people and the environment.

Consumer Products

It’s surprising, but some consumer products still have asbestos in them, despite the known risks. Take Johnson & Johnson, for example, they’ve been in hot water because their talcum powder products were found to contain asbestos. They faced thousands of lawsuits and eventually stopped selling those talc products. 

One of the most significant studies on this was done by occupational medicine doctor Jacqueline Moline and her team in 2023. They found 166 cases of mesothelioma linked to exposure to cosmetic talc. In a 2020 study, they found 33 cases of mesothelioma in people who had only been exposed to asbestos through using cosmetic talcum powder.

And it’s not just consumer products. Certain fireproof clothing worn by firefighters and industrial workers can also contain asbestos, adding to the risk of exposure in those professions. It’s a reminder that even though asbestos use has declined, it’s still present in some unexpected places. We need to remain vigilant about its dangers.

FAQs

Which countries still mine asbestos?

As to recent data, asbestos mining continues in a few countries, including Russia, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and Zimbabwe.

Is asbestos banned in the United States?

Yes, asbestos is largely banned in the United States. In March of this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule. This rule bans the continued use of chrysotile asbestos, the sole form of asbestos presently used in or brought into the United States.

What types of entities can be sued for asbestos exposure?

Entities that can potentially be sued include employers, manufacturers, property owners and landlords, government entities, contractors and subcontractors, and suppliers of asbestos-containing materials.

In summary, asbestos exposure is still a big deal for public health. It’s crucial to know where asbestos comes from to prevent problems. Whether it’s at work, at home, or out in nature, spotting and dealing with asbestos risks can cut down on the chances of exposure. 

If we follow safety rules, use protective gear, and push for tough laws, we can keep ourselves and our kids safe from asbestos dangers.

Four Major Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Present Times

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