Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Statistics show that there are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma prevention consists of eliminating the cause of the disease: asbestos. Most mesothelioma cases are work-related, while non-work-related or secondary mesothelioma cases are not rare. Mesothelioma prevention should start with knowing the sources of asbestos and knowing how to eliminate them.
Certain types of workers are considered high risk for mesothelioma based on the nature of their occupation. The following are workers considered high risk:
- Masons, longshoremen, drywall contractors, electricians, drillers, miners, sheet metal workers, painters, mechanics (asbestos exposure in brakes and clutches), and construction inspectors.
- Occupations that include asbestos manufacturing, such as fireproofing and plumbing; manufacture of joints, tiles, pipe liners and cement
- Workers in asbestos manufacturing factories
- People employed in shipyards, railways, oil refineries, and construction industries
For people who work in the trades described above, make sure the workplace regulations defined by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration for mesothelioma prevention are in effect. Some asbestos fibers can stick to hair, skin, and clothing, and you can put your family at risk if you bring it home. For mesothelioma prevention, federal laws now require workers to follow several precautions, including:
- Shower before leaving the workplace
- Store clothing separate from work clothing in the workplace
- Change work clothes for street clothes before leaving the workplace
- Washing work clothes in the workplace
Some studies have also shown that workers who smoke are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who do not.
Studies have shown that non-occupational exposure in public buildings, schools, and homes also occurs since asbestos is used in building materials such as insulation and plumbing. The use of asbestos in building materials and paints was prevalent, especially from the 1930s to the 1970s. For the prevention of non-occupational mesothelioma, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a number of steps.
Asbestos was used in the production of roofing, siding tiles, vinyl floor tiles, adhesives, stove pads, and hot water pipes. Homes built before the 1950s are more likely to have used materials that contain asbestos. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, have an asbestos professional remove samples from your building materials and analyze them in the laboratory.
Do not disturb asbestos materials. This will only release fibrous materials into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Do not sweep up asbestos materials, or sand, scrape, or drill holes in materials that may contain asbestos. Contact an asbestos abatement or removal professional to remove asbestos-containing materials from your home.
If there are asbestos fibers on the floor or any surface in your home, never sweep or vacuum them as they will only cause the fibers to spread through the air. Contact an asbestos removal professional immediately for proper fiber removal.
Public buildings should follow the same mesothelioma prevention steps, such as having asbestos professionals sample, clean, and remove building materials.
