Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. It is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many things before the 1980s, and it’s still used some today.
Even after asbestos was deemed a health hazard, it was used in thousands of products, including home insulation, paint, cement, floor and ceiling tiles, roofing materials, automotive parts and household appliances.
There are a number of occupations in which workers faced higher risks of being exposed to asbestos, including the military, construction, mining, manufacturing, automotive, and firefighting industry.
So you may ask yourself. Am I at risk of contracting mesothelioma?
Let’s go case by case. Here are a few of the questions and scenarios we receive here at the Mesothelioma Center. Keep in mind no amount of asbestos exposure is safe, so when I refer to it as low risk it means just that – a low risk a risk nonetheless.
“My husband was a factory worker and now has mesothelioma. I used to wash his clothes. Am I at risk for mesothelioma?”
Working in the factory, your husband may have been exposed to high amounts of asbestos on a daily basis. Asbestos fibers often stuck to the clothes of workers and there have been many cases of family members getting mesothelioma through secondhand exposure such as this.
“I worked in nava
l shipyards repairing boats and ships. All of my co-workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Am I next?”
Asbestos was used in every naval ship build between World War II and the Korean War because of its high resistance to heat and corrosion. Not only were people on the ships exposed to asbestos, but the workers who maintained and cleaned them were as well.
Studies show that 86 percent of shipyard workers with 20 or more years of experience developed asbestos-related lung disease or lung cancer. I would not say “you are next,” but I would highly recommend seeing your physician or speaking with one of our patient advocates so they can assist you in taking the proper steps to stay healthy. Our Patient Advocates can be reached at 800-815-7924.
“I am a teacher in an old school. We have an asbestos plan for managing asbestos, but I’m concerned there is friable asbestos in building. Am I at risk?”
Schools that contain asbestos materials (most schools built prior to 1980) are required by the AHERA act to undergo an inspection by a certified professional every 3 years to ensure safety. You are probably correct in thinking asbestos is in the school, but you are at a very low risk of being exposed to high levels of it as long as your school is adhering by its asbestos management policy.
“I live in a house with asbestos insulation and roofing materials. We recently had a storm and the tiles have fallen off, is my family safe from asbestos exposure?”
Many older homes across the United States still contain asbestos. Asbestos only becomes a health hazard once it has been disturbed and the fibers become airborne. Because the storm has taken tiles from the roof, risk for exposure should be a concern.
You will need to have a certified abatement worker inspect the area and plan on finding a safe replacement right away.
“I smoke cigarettes. Does that mean I’m at risk for mesothelioma?”
Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, it has not been directly linked to mesothelioma. If you have previously been exposed to asbestos, smoking can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma.
For more information on asbestos risk factors visit Asbestos.com. Not sure if you have been exposed or would like to ask us?
You can reach a Patient Advocate directly by calling 800-815-7924. Where are some places you have been exposed to asbestos? Share with us on Facebook or Twitter. To recommend this article to your friends give us a +1 on Google+.
Rachel Gilner joined The Mesothelioma Center in 2010 as an awareness coordinator and recently joined the Public Outreach and Social Media Department. She enjoys promoting asbestos safety and awareness in the online community. Rachel holds a B.A in marketing from the University of Central Florida. Outside of The Center, Rachel volunteers at the American Cancer Society and is a member of ACS CAN. 
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