More and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of asbestos thanks to brave steps from mesothelioma and asbestosis victims to raise awareness of its dangers. And with the recent congressional passage of an official National Asbestos Awareness Week the first week of April every year, the cause should become even more recognized among the general population. However, the increase in available knowledge about asbestos dangers has also led to some common misconceptions about the mineral and its dangers.
FALSE: Young People are Immune from Mesothelioma
The truth is anyone can develop mesothelioma – including young people. In fact, both the United States and Britain have each had cases of asbestos-induced mesothelioma in children as young as 13. Although cases of mesothelioma in young people are extremely rare, they are indeed possible.
However, most cases of mesothelioma develop in the latter stages of life, between the ages of 50 and 80. This is because there is usually long latency period between initial asbestos exposure and the onset of diseases or complications. The average latency period is approximately 30 to 40 years.
FALSE: You Must Have Prolonged Exposure to Asbestos to Develop Mesothelioma
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions about asbestos. It in fact, only takes a single exposure to asbestos fibers to become at-risk for developing complications. Once asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they remain in the body indefinitely, where they could lead to potentially fatal diseases. However, individuals with prolonged or frequent exposure to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing complications than those with only a minor exposure.
It is important to take proper safety precautions when around areas that are even potentially contaminated with asbestos. Never attempt to remove asbestos on your own or work around the mineral with only a respiratory mask. Instead, use a professional asbestos abatement service to remove the toxin according to the standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency.
FALSE: Asbestos is No Longer a Public Health Threat
This could not be further from the truth. Rather, asbestos is still very prevalent, although not used to the extent that it once was. Asbestos is still used in the manufacturing of thousands of construction products, including roofing materials. Furthermore, asbestos has been used to produce brake pads, although legal initiatives have been taken to put a halt to that in the future.
Even if you are working with construction and automotive products, your home, office or school could still have asbestos lurking in the walls, ceiling and insulation. Despite bans on asbestos use in those areas, homes and buildings that were built prior to 1980 likely already had the fibers before they became illegal to use. However, so long as the fibers are undisturbed, they are not typically dangerous to building inhabitants.
