Prior to 1980, when asbestos regulations were initially implemented, asbestos was widely used in a variety of construction products due to its excellent insulating capabilities. What many people did not know was that tiny asbestos fibers could become airborne if asbestos-containing materials were disturbed or damaged, whether it occur as a result of fire, flood, or a renovation project. If airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, their claw-like architecture permits them to cling to the pleural lining of the lungs for decades before an individual may begin to experience mesothelioma symptoms, such as a difficulty breathing or lingering cough. Individuals that are diagnosed with mesothelioma may have been exposed to asbestos up to fifty years prior, and will unfortunately succumb to this incredibly aggressive form of cancer in less than two years following their diagnosis.

Professionals are not the only individuals who may be at risk for asbestos exposure. Homeowners who reside in a home that was constructed prior to 1980 may be living in a home that is harboring dangerous levels of asbestos. It is advisable to hire a professional to handle all asbestos removal and disposal needs in an effort to lessen your chances of asbestos exposure. If you do come into contact with asbestos in your home, it is crucial to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth to prevent inhalation and dispose of gloves, outerwear and footwear that is worn during the process to avoid transfer of asbestos fibers.

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web’s leading resource for information related to occupational asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment methods, and more. Please visit the MAA Center website, www.maacenter.org, for further information.