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Visit the Mesothelioma Center site for information on mesothelioma. This site is dedicated to providing the most up to date information and support for those who suffer from the lung cancer mesothelioma, also known as asbestos cancer, or who know someone who does. We diligently seek new information and we are available 24 hours a day to help you find answers for your individual situation. You may e-mail us right now or call us at (412)-471-3980. |
Asbestos and Mesothelioma:How to Deal with AsbestosExposure to asbestos is a serious health risk, so if you believe you may have asbestos in products within your home or work environment, especially if it is crumbling or disintegrating, do not handle them yourselves. Airborne asbestos fibers are dangerous if inhaled, but generally, asbestos products in solid condition pose no serious risks. Professionals can analyze asbestos containting products in your home and remove or correct their presence in a number of ways, depending on the condition of the product. Read on to find out the safest steps to deal with potential asbestos hazards. InspectionIf you believe you have asbestos in your house, it is important to have it inspected. State health agencies or independent testing companies can do this for you. They can take a sample of suspicious materials and have them analyzed to determine whether they are asbestos-related and what level of risk there may be. Asbestos Encapsulation (Sealing)Asbestos encapsulation, or sealing, is a method to make existing asbestos more safe. Encapsulation involves sealing off an undamaged asbestos-containing substance by coating the materials. This prevents fibers from loosening and becoming airborne. Encapsulation will not work if materials are damaged, soft, or crumbling. If repair or encapsulation is not appropriate, it is recommended that the asbestos be covered or removed. Crumbling AsbestosCrumbly, soft or damaged asbestos-containing products increase the risk that asbestos fibers will be able to enter the air. Do no sweep or vacum the asbestos dust as that will cause the fibres to become airborne; they should be wet-mopped or vaccumed with a HEPA Crumbly asbestos should be covered or removed by asbestos-handling professionals only. Consult a reliable professional if you have crumbling asbestos. Damaged AsbestosLike crumbly or soft asbestos-containing products, there is a greater risk that asbestos fibers will be airborne. Crumbly asbestos should be covered or removed by asbestos-handling professionals only. Consult a reliable professional to determine the appropriate way to deal with damaged asbestos. Do you believe you have asbestos in your home?If you believe you have asbestos in your home, it is important not to react rashly. If fibers are not becoming airborne, asbestos will usually not cause any harm. The EPA provides a variety of publications on asbestos in schools, homes, and construction sites. Whether you have vermiculite insulation, asbestos flooring, or another form of asbestos in your home, appropriate steps for identifying and dealing with the product are outlined. |
This information © 2005 Goldberg, Persky & White. The content of this web site was developed as a service to mesothelioma patients and their families. Web site content has not been prepared or endorsed by physicians or licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice. Our staff are not physicians nor trained medical professionals and nothing they say should be taken as medical advice. The purpose of this site is to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to resources which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an mesothelioma attorney for legal advice.