Mesothelioma Prevention

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Can mesothelioma be prevented?  If exposure to asbestos is the main cause of this disease, we need to know where asbestos may be found in homes or in buildings so that we can either remove the asbestos or stay away from this health threat.

Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found In The Home

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following represents areas in the home in which asbestos hazards may be found:

• Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.
  
  
• Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
  
  
• Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
  
  
• Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
  
  
• Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.

• Walls and floors around woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
  
  
• Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
  
  
• Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
  
  
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

EPA Recommendations for Dealing with Asbestos Around the Home

Asbestos was widely used in many building and industrial materials, including siding panels, roof shingles, mortar, flooring and insulation.  Asbestos-containing materials still exist in many homes.  Here are some EPA recommendations for dealing with asbestos around the home:

• Leave asbestos alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. The danger occurs when fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.
  
  
• Generally limit activities in any areas having damaged asbestos material. In particular, keep children away from such areas.

• Avoid sweeping, or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos. Also avoid sanding, scraping, or drilling holes in materials that possibly contain asbestos.
  
  
• Have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling, cleaning and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
  
  
• If you need to discard asbestos material, check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials for proper handling and disposal procedures.

Mesothelioma Prevention:  Conclusion

Can mesothelioma be prevented?  If exposure to asbestos is the main cause of this disease, we need to know where asbestos may be found in homes or in buildings so that we can either remove the asbestos or stay away from this health threat.

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