If you work in an area in which you are tearing down old buildings or restoring them, you should know how you protect yourself from exposure to asbestos. Builders used asbestos in buildings constructed between the 1950’s and 1980’s, because of its long-lasting attributes and anti-fire benefits. By the 1970’s, when cases of mesothelioma began to be diagnosed there was serious concern about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Today, you may not work with new materials that contain asbestos, but if you are involved in working with old buildings or old plumbing, you are at risk of being exposed to asbestos. If a building built in the 1950’s containing asbestos but no major remodeling (such as tearing down walls or ceilings) has been performed, the building may be safe for occupancy. On the other hand, once restoration work begins, asbestos fibers disperse and therefore create a serious safety hazard.
Asbestos is particularly dangerous when it is moved, so if you are involved in restoring old homes and buildings, you are at risk of exposure and need to take precautionary measures, such as wearing the correct gloves, clothing to protect your skin, eyewear and breathing masks. Ultimately, the less you are exposed to disrupted asbestos, the less your chances are of suffering from asbestos-related side effects.

If you work in an area that is known to have asbestos and your employer is not providing you with the correct protective clothing and gear, you need to report this immediately to your employer. This is for your own safety and your co-workers’ safety. Many people are involved in the demolition of old buildings, but unfortunately many of these are structures that contain asbestos.

As crews begin to clean and remove debris from fallen buildings which contain asbestos, the exposed and moved asbestos can be toxic. This is why it is vital, if you work in this field that you are provided with the proper gear that is necessary for your protection. For example, miners who work in talc mines also have a higher risk of exposure to asbestos and, therefore, have a higher rate of being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Final Thoughts
When working in areas where there is a high risk of possible asbestos contamination, it can seem like a serious hassle to wear protective gear, but consider the alternatives. Many people today are living with cancer and respiratory illnesses that have been linked to their exposure to asbestos. One such disease is Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells lining the lung, chest cavity, abdominal cavity or heart cavity. Additionally, these mesothelial cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs forming a tissue called mesothelium that helps protect the organs.

If you have already been exposed and were not wearing the proper gear, you need to have yourself regularly screened for the various diseases linked to asbestos. Catching these diseases early can help improve your quality of life and help you live a longer and healthier life.

Author Bio: If you were exposed to asbestos, it may be time for an asbestos lawsuit. To find out for sure, contact an asbestos lawyer.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: asbestos lawsuits, asbestos exposure, mesothelioma