Mesothelioma is a dangerous and rare form of cancer and so far, it is only known to be caused by asbestos exposure. It affects the mesothelial cells situated in the area of the lungs and abdomen, causing them to turn into cancerous cells and develop a tumor. However, people can also succumb to it through non-occupational exposure to asbestos. read on to learn more.
Domestic Exposure
Work clothing brings asbestos dust and fibers into the homes of people.
Asbestos Containing Products
Examples of this would include spackle, brakes, floor tiles, clutches and other materials used around the home.
Environmental Exposure
This can take a toll on people living near refineries, factories and other places where items are made containing asbestos.
Non-occupational exposure happens at home as a result of the fact that asbestos can be present almost everywhere. Even so, some people are more predisposed to asbestos-related health problems than others.
Other ways asbestos can be harmful include:
Clothing
Those working in launderettes present a higher risk of developing mesothelioma if they come into contact with the clothes of people who work with asbestos.
Furniture
Asbestos fibers can be transferred through pieces of furniture like couches, beds, chairs or carpets if the workers do not remove their asbestos-contaminated clothes before sitting down.
Hugging
Early exposure of children can lead to the development of lung diseases in their late childhood or early adult life.
Soil Dust
Unpaved roads can lead to dust release into the air, which might put children at risk of asbestos exposure while playing outside the house in dirt. Excessive quarry emissions, building new houses and other ordinary activities such as gardening are just another means of accidentally inhaling asbestos fibers. Once these fibers reach the interior of the house, they can be air transported through household activities. This is why it is essential to know that vacuuming is not helpful in removing the asbestos fibers as they are very small and can pass through the texture of the vacuum cleaner bags.
Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is highly dependent on the type of fibers and the most concerned asbestos-related disease is mesothelioma. For instance, chrysotile is considered a weak cancer-causing agent as it can be dissolved by enzymes, unlike other types of asbestos such as crocidolite. Studies have also shown that the probability of developing mesothelioma is also influenced by the exposure period: the longer the exposure, the higher the risk of experiencing health problems. Moreover, a minimal lower limit of safe asbestos exposure has not been proven to exist.
Smoking
It is well-known that smoking leads to an increase of the risk of being affected by lung diseases after asbestos exposure. Smokers are part of the group who is the most predisposed to developing lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Asbestos Home Removal
The location of asbestos is very important when it comes to asbestos cleanup. Removing asbestos from homes, schools and any other commercial buildings is a quite difficult task. Removal of asbestos is a complex process and should only be done by qualified contractors who underwent a special training. If not done correctly, asbestos removal can be very dangerous. Also, keep in mind that in order to remove asbestos from homes, most of the states require an application process.
Source: https://www.asbestos123.com/news/non-occupational-exposure-to-asbestos/
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