By: Editorial Staff, Date: February 20th, 2023
Asbestos exposure remains to be a cause of health risk among Americans. When asbestos fibers become airborne, that’s when the danger begins as the fibers can get stuck permanently in the body of an individual who breathed in or swallowed the toxic fibers.
The lack of knowledge of asbestos or where it is likely to be found may cause poor protection, especially in the workplace –where the exposure usually happens.
This blog attempts to share what good it pays to be aware and vigilant in mitigating asbestos-related health hazards and, in the long run –save human lives!
Understanding the health risks of asbestos
Apart from being heat resistant, asbestos is made up of light and microscopic fibers. Once inhaled or ingested, the fibers can lodge into different key areas of the human body like the lungs, heart, abdomen, and kidney.
While the risk of short-term asbestos exposure is reported to be low, the hazards could accumulate especially in repeated short-term exposure.
Moreover, a family member might also be placed at risk of secondary exposure when asbestos workers carry home the toxic substance through their clothing.
Where can you find asbestos?
Asbestos is most used in industrial processes. While no degree of asbestos exposure is considered safe, knowing the products that contain asbestos could alert us to its harm and get us to a quick start on prevention.
Here are the most common types of asbestos-containing products:
Industrial asbestos materials:
- Automotive parts like brake pads, gaskets, brake linings, etc.
- Cement
- Vinyl floor tiles and other products
- Paint
- Plastics
- Electrical components
- Ducts
- Hoses
Consumer Asbestos Products:
- Home appliances like stoves, toasters, washing machines, dishwashers
- Some toys like crayons and modeling clay
- Asbestos millboards
- Textiles in some patholders and oven mitts
- Makeup
- Cigarette filters
Critical studies on the health effects of asbestos have resulted in discovering diseases and worst –loss of human lives. But up to this day, the use of asbestos in the US is not banned. While a number of federal regulations have been put in place on asbestos use, abatement, and litigation, many are still clamoring for its downright ban.
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Spotlighting Key Issues in Asbestos Litigation
On March 29, 2022, the United States Senate passed Resolution 561 which aims to educate the general public about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the risks of asbestos exposure. To this day, it remains heavily monitored by US regulators and many corporations face a difficult road ahead in dealing with various complex asbestos issues.