Ways to Prevent Mesothelioma
The simple, but troubling, reality surrounding the development of mesothelioma is that it is impossible to completely avoid exposure to
asbestos, the primary cause of the illness.
Because chrysotile (or white asbestos, which is used in 95 percent of all products that use the fiber) is fire retardant, it was used for years in numerous types of clothing, insulation, gaskets, brake pads, and household products. Even after the first evidence that asbestos fibers were dangerous was found in the late nineteenth century, companies continued to expose workers to asbestos fibers on a regular basis while also using it for a number of products that were released to the general public for decades.
It wasn’t until legislation in the late 1970s led to tighter restrictions on the usage of asbestos in everyday goods and building products that the public’s exposure to the fibers began to decline. However, despite the restrictions, products such as duct tape, fire blankets, elevator equipment panels, and insulation still utilize it.
While
asbestos exposure in largely unavoidable, limiting the extent of one’s exposure may be a way to decrease the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Getting rid of any products that contain asbestos and break - potentially releasing fibers into the air that could then be inhaled – and properly cleaning off one’s clothes after being around products that may contain the fiber so they are not tracked into one’s household are only a few ways to reduce the inhalation risk.
Unfortunately, because the restrictions in asbestos use have only been in effect for approximately 30 years - while the first
symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear in some patients until up to 50 years after their exposure to asbestos - the decreased number of malignant mesothelioma cases that will come from the reduced exposure are only beginning to be seen now. However, taking precautions to reduce asbestos exposure now will likely lead to a declining number of people suffering from mesothelioma in the years to come.
For those who have developed mesothelioma cancer as a result of long term asbestos exposure caused a product or former employer, there are possible legal actions that can be pursued for those looking to get an
asbestos settlement. Contact a
mesothelioma attorney for a legal consultation if you have any questions about
asbestos law and what must be done in order to bring forth a lawsuit.