September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. We’ve teamed up with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance to warn you about 9 sneaky ways you may end up becoming a victim of asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma.
You might think asbestos was banned. Not so. It was briefly up for a ban in 1991, but that was quickly overturned, and asbestos can still be used in many products today. As long as products contain only 1 percent or less asbestos, they’re perfectly legal.
Asbestos Causes Cancer
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer, says the Mayo Clinic, for which there is no cure for many people. Since the primary risk factor is from asbestos exposure, the most effective way to prevent this disease is to reduce your exposure whenever possible.
Asbestos Pollutes the Planet
Asbestos exposure isn’t just a worry for our health, either. It can work its way back into the environment, contaminating soil, air and water. Mesothelioma.Net points out that asbestos is still widely used in traditional power plants that burn fossil fuels. The asbestos may be found in plant insulation to prevent heat from escaping as well as to prevent fires. Workers may also use fireproof gear containing asbestos.
Asbestos may be used in coal mines, too, and in the gear miners use to stay safe. When not properly contained, asbestos can contaminate the air, soil, and water around mines, refineries, and power plants. “Residents may end up with asbestos in the air they breathe and the water they drink, putting them at risk for mesothelioma and other illnesses,” says Mesothelioma.net.
Asbestos is not only a risk when inhaled, but also when ingested.
The following chart shows the 9 most likely sources of asbestos exposure in your home. As the chart notes, though new asbestos use for home construction ended by 1980, many old homes still contain asbestos-laden insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, and other materials.
Review the chart, take note of when your home was built, and get professional help from a contractor certified in safe asbestos abatement if your home was built before 1980 and you undertake home renovations.
Don’t DIY where asbestos is concerned!
What Else Can You Do to Avoid Asbestos Exposure?
In addition to renovating your home safely, you can protect yourself and your family by buying asbestos-free products.
Not only will this keep your family and the environment safe from exposure, but it’ll also show companies still using asbestos that you’ve had enough, says the Alliance.
Here are a few products that may still contain asbestos.
Textiles
Flame resistance is one of asbestos’ most useful qualities. For many years it was considered a miracle material for its ability to quench flames. In fact, the very name comes from the Greek word, asvestos, which means unquenchable or inextinguishable.
Asbestos was used frequently in fabrics designed to be flame resistant, like fire blankets, stunt man suits, and even curtains. Fabric usage was one of the most dangerous, because when these products came into contact with flames, the dangerous fibers would be released into the air.
How to Stay Safe
Using repurposed products like fire blankets and stunt man suits could seriously impact your health. So, if you’re looking for rustic accents to your bedroom or living room, stay away from vintage military or fireman clothes that may contain asbestos fibers.
Also, be careful when handling any family relics like old jackets or work clothes. Buying vintage is a great way to make your wardrobe eco friendly, but avoid old gear that could have been worn by firemen or repair men unsuspectingly working on contaminated sites.
Back to School Supplies
Reports of asbestos in Playskool crayons surfaced early in August, 2018, after the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) analyzed 27 back-to-school products. Playskool is sold primarily at Dollar Tree, but also through Amazon, eBay and DollarDays.com.
Even though the amounts found were very small, PIRG noted that children often chew on crayons or sharpen them, increasing chances that kids could end up swallowing or inhaling tiny but dangerous crayon shavings.
How to Stay Safe
Use colored pencils, beeswax crayons, and water-based markers from non toxic certified suppliers.
Don’t Miss Our Green Back-to-School Shopping Tips That Will Also Save You Money!
Kids Makeup
Earlier this year, a consumer watchdog group found asbestos in the products of Claire’s, a children’s makeup store. Claire’s has since said it’s removed the dangerous items from its stores and the remaining products are asbestos-free. But still…
How to Stay Safe
Skip the kids’ stuff and go with safe, plant-based, organic regular make up. For decorations, use face masks rather than painting right on kids’ skin, or easy peel-off stickers. Avoid face glitter (which kids could inhale or get in their eyes).
We pulled together 6 Non-Toxic Ways to Paint Your Face right here.
IMPORTANT!!
A proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) opens the doors for increased asbestos production. This rule details how companies can present cases for asbestos use to the EPA, which would evaluate these appeals on a case-by-case basis.
That means that companies could resume using asbestos and potentially put consumers’ live at risk.
What you can do:
♦Share this post widely on your social media and with your friends and family.
♦ Contact the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance to learn more and find out what you can do to protect you and your loved ones from asbestos.
