How Does Harmful Asbestos Exposure Happen?
Exposure happens when people inhale asbestos fibers. There is release of tiny fibers in the air from damaged asbestos-containing materials. Disturbed materials can release hazardous air pollutants.
The exposure also happens in activities like renovation, demolition, or maintenance. For example, drilling, cutting, and sanding disturbs asbestos-containing materials. That triggers the release of their fibers into the air.
Moreover, asbestos-containing materials deteriorate over time, such as in older buildings. Other building materials can also release fibers over time, posing health hazards.
Clothing or things may also carry asbestos fibers. Floor tiles, too. When people interact with those who have them, secondary exposure occurs.
Product Exposure
Older appliances like coffee, stoves, and dryers may also contain asbestos. Firefighter suits, rope, potholders, and blankets cause exposure to asbestos, too.
For automotive parts, some identified products include clutches, valves, and gaskets. We also include hood liners and brake pads.
Of course, floor tiles, roofing, and ceiling make the list, too. These are common in households. For insulation, they identified attic insulation. In some instances, cement may contain asbestos.
The list goes on, as we can still find asbestos products in U.S. schools, homes, workplaces, and store shelves.
Occupational Exposure
A 2020 report by the Environmental Protection Agency reports this risk in detail. They highlight “unreasonable risks” for consumers and bystanders. They urged the government to ban asbestos.
Those with exposure history are those who work with heavy asbestos use. These include mechanics, shipbuilders, and construction workers.
Insulation workers (pipefitters and steamfitters) may also have direct asbestos exposure. Their exposure happens when they install, repair, or remove asbestos-containing insulation.
Electricians and plumbers deal with wires, HVAC ducts, and pipe insulation. Their asbestos exposure can happen during installation and maintenance activities.
Mechanics are also at risk when they repair or replace clutch facings and brake pads. Older vehicles, in particular, may contain asbestos-containing materials. (These vehicles contained asbestos due to friction properties and heat resistance.)
How Many People Does Asbestos Kill Per Year?
Considering the ways one gets exposure, many people can die from asbestos. A landmark medical study that spans fifty years has proven this, but the exact death toll is unknown.
A rough estimate is at least 12,000 to 15,000 Americans die from asbestos factors. This data comes from an exclusive analysis of EWG Action Fund.
From 1999 to 2013, the asbestos exposure estimate is at 189,000 to 221,000. Yet, deaths are not exclusive to asbestos. Some coincided with other carcinogenic risks.
Many US researchers believe that asbestos exposure caused more lung cancer deaths. Yet, a remaining problem is that there is no accurate tally of asbestos-related deaths in the U.S.
Which Occupations Suffer From Asbestos Exposure In The US?
As discussed, jobs that involve heavy asbestos exposure increase risk. Low-level exposures still carry some risk. After all, it is still occupational asbestos exposure.
Below are some occupational settings, specific to the US, that endured asbestos exposure.
US Marines
The U.S. Marine Corps veterans are some of those at risk with mesothelioma. This is true especially due to possible asbestos exposure years ago.
There was extensive use of asbestos at the Marine Crops from 1930s to early 1980s. Asbestos helped in creating ships, planes, and bases.
Moreover, they used asbestos to make vehicles safer from fire. During attacks, asbestos also made vehicles more resistant to damage.
A lot of US Marines also handled equipment that may have contained asbestos. These include plane components and armored vehicles.
US Air Force
The US Air Force also used many asbestos applications. Those exposed to toxic substances have suffered from asbestos-related diseases. Malignant mesothelioma is also common among asbestos-exposed workers.
Part of their occupational exposure to asbestos happened aboard ships and planes. The asbestos hazards were prevalent since asbestos was cheap to manufacture.
Other building materials, in planes they flew, may have contained asbestos. A lot of planes also used asbestos materials to withstand friction and resist fire
Asbestos worker exposure also affected technicians, pilots, and mechanics. They breathed asbestos fibers as they entered the air.
When Was Asbestos Banned In The US?
Developing cancer, having cancer risk, and suffering health hazards pushed asbestos ban. The recall of asbestos products and hazardous air pollutants happened.
There was conscious effort to prevent asbestos exposures, too. Matters about asbestos-related disease and occupational safety were key.
The Toxic Substances Control Act proposed a risk management rule. This was in April 2022. This aims to prohibit all asbestos imports.
Are There Existing Acts That Protect People From Asbestos Exposure?
It’s a good thing that many US regulations govern the use and disposal of asbestos. This is to avoid asbestos exposure and protect asbestos workers.
One of these key laws and regulations is the Toxic Substances Control Act. There are existing regulations for restricting asbestos-containing products, uses, and applications.
Another is the Clean Air Act, which regulates hazardous air pollutants and emissions. In line with this is the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. That aims to cut asbestos emissions during renovations and demolitions.
There are also Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. OSHA’S permissible exposure limit protects asbestos workers. Part of their standards include medical monitoring. They also have requirements for asbestos handling and removal.
Passed in 1990, another asbestos-related act is the School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization. They strengthen rules for asbestos management in schools. They also ensure proper limits for asbestos-containing products.
There is also the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. This act prevents processing and distribution of products that may harm children.
Key Learnings On US Exposure To Asbestos
The facts on US asbestos cases reinforce vigilance against any asbestos-related disease. It is good that anyone can have ways in preventing exposure to asbestos.
Protecting Family Members
The Environmental Protection Agency is as all for family protection. One way you can align with this goal is to avoid asbestos products.
Protecting family members is also a way to uphold public health. Be aware about the latest consumer product safety commission rules and follow them.
The call to ban asbestos is not yet complete. There might still be asbestos mines, but safety begins at home. Report any instance of asbestos-produced stuff to the nearest national institute.
Getting Rightful Claims
Another thing to consider is knowing how to file for rightful claims if necessary. To pursue rightful claims for asbestos-related cases, individuals follow several steps.
One is to seek legal consultation. Experienced attorneys specialize in asbestos litigation. These lawyers can assess the strength of your case. They can also guide you on potential compensation channels.
We also mentioned that affected victims include US Marines and Air Force. If you have family members who are veterans, know that you can claim compensation.
Known as VA Benefits, these are disability payments offered to former service members. As long as they have no dishonorable discharge, they are eligible.
Air Force veterans who died from an asbestos-related illness qualify for claims, too. The Department of Veterans affairs calls it Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Preventing Asbestos Exposure
If you find asbestos in your home or workplace, it’s essential to avoid disturbing it. Seek professional help for proper assessment and management.
There are many activities the can cause one to ‘disturb’ asbestos. These include drilling, cutting, sanding, or breaking asbestos-containing materials.
Additionally, when renovating or demolishing structures, it’s crucial to hire certified professionals. They know how to handle asbestos-containing materials with safety.
You can also have a regular schedule for checking deteriorating asbestos-containing materials. You can do that in your home or workplace.
It will not hurt to have all forms of safety and health administration. Remember that asbestos minerals and building materials are dangerous. This is for any general industry, too.
Thus, occupational safety and health key. Beyond avoiding diseases like malignant pleural mesothelioma, be aware about safe asbestos removal.
Knowing Available Treatments
Yes, there are available medical treatment resources in the US. This is specific to exposure to asbestos.
These include specialized clinics. One can also go to oncologists and pulmonologists.
There are also healthcare professionals familiar with treating and diagnosing mesothelioma and asbestosis. Moreover, there are support groups, counseling services, and palliative care.
There is more to uncover about exposure to asbestos in the US. Industries still most at risk include construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, manufacturing, and mining.
In the years to come, when a complete ban happens, it is possible that cases of diseases will decline. Be safe, be vigilant, and be healthy!