The Safe Removal of Asbestos

Asbestos was widely used in the construction of home and office materials from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Usage sharply declined after it was observed that people who had been exposed to asbestos were at a high-risk of contracting Mesothelioma. In 1964, the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA) published a study of workers who had been exposed to asbestos airborne dust. The study confirmed this suspicion. Since the report was released, inevitably the use of asbestos fell.

Today, the public is faced with the chore of cleaning up these products from their homes and businesses that were built in the 1970s and prior. Understandably, the public is concerned as to the best way to handle the disposal of these asbestos-containing materials.

Removal of Asbestos During a Remodeling Project

A writer to Courant news recently stated that the condo kitchen in her house built in 1979 contains vinyl and she has been told that vinyl flooring from that era contains asbestos, which is a known cause of mesothelioma cancer. As are many others, she is justifiably concerned about the best way to safely remove the material without causing asbestos fibers to become airborne.

There are strict rules and regulations defined by the Occupational Health and Compliance Assistance (OSHA) which outline the safe removal of asbestos materials. OSHA has defined The Asbestos General Industry Standard and The Asbestos Construction Standard which contain standards for care of asbestos-containing flooring material.

The OSHA website states that the heaviest exposures of asbestos occur in the construction industry, particularly during removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Therefore, these guidelines are listed so as to eliminate any confusion as to how to safely remove asbestos. The OSHA provisions indicate worker training requirements and state that when demolishing a building, asbestos waste must be placed in sealed, labeled, impermeable bags and other closed labeled impermeable containers.

To be sure of the best way to remove asbestos type materials from your home or business, it is highly recommended that you consult OSHA's website located at http://www.osha.gov

Hazards of Asbestos

Asbestos workers have an increased chance of getting two types of cancer: cancer of the lung and mesothelioma, a cancer of the thin membrane that surrounds the lung and other internal organs.

Trends of Mesothelioma Cases

Asbestos cases are recorded as far back as 1899. The trend of mesothelioma cases shows a significant higher number of male victims. The trend has been attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos. Occupational exposure during the 1930s to the 1960s has been attributed to the shipbuilding industry during World War II and in the manufacturing or construction industry. Between the periods of 1973-1980, a total of 64 cases of pleural mesothelioma were reported in British Columbia, with an increased incidence in males.

According to a study conducted at Harvard University, the annual number of mesothelioma cases among males in the United States is near its peak and is expected to decline to a background level of nearly five hundred cases per year. The study attributes the increase of mesothelioma cases in past history to exposure of high-levels of airborne asbestos during the period of 1930s to 1960s.

Cancer Care and Early Detection

There are increasing numbers of cancer survivors today. Early detection and diagnoses of cancer are among some of the reasons for increasing numbers of survivors. As cancers are detected earlier, there is a pattern between increasing surgical care and decreasing chemotherapy. Additionally, as cancer is diagnosed during earlier stages, the importance of drug safety will also increase.

If you suspect any type of medical issue, including exposure to asbestos, it is highly recommended that you contact a health care professional immediately.