Non-occupational asbestos exposure is of great concern to public health agencies. Although asbestos exposure in the workplace is well documented, information about non-occupational asbestos exposure is a bit harder to find. In either instance, elevated exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, can result in cancer and life-threatening lung diseases.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to develop asbestos-caused diseases in the coming years, whether from a work history with asbestos or because of non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Is Everywhere
It should be kept in mind that at least a low level of asbestos is present in almost all environments, since asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in the soil and water. As asbestos mining increased in the 1900s, the mineral started being used as a component in thousands of products. Consequently, the levels of asbestos exposure to human beings skyrocketed, and workers who dealt with asbestos on a regular basis developed lung cancers, asbestosis, and mesothelioma at alarming rates.
In Homes, Schools, Public Buildings
At the same time, non-occupational asbestos exposure at dangerous levels was occurring in schools, public buildings, and homes across the United States, due to the widespread use of asbestos in building materials such as insulation, plumbing, and fire-resistant cloth.
Individuals who have not had exposure to asbestos as part of their employment have developed asbestos-caused diseases such as mesothelioma, and it is apparent that occupational-level asbestos exposure is not required for an individual to develop an asbestos-related disease.
On Work Clothes, Shoes and Hair
Family members of asbestos workers are also among the many victims of non-occupational asbestos exposure. The tiny fibers can cling to the clothing, shoes, hair and skin of people working with asbestos, traveling home with them and exposing family members and pets to dangerous levels of asbestos.
Federal safety laws now require that employees who must work with asbestos limit the possibility of taking asbestos home with a variety of precautions:
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Disease
If you are having any of the following symptoms and you suspect that you may have been subjected to non-occupational asbestos exposure, see a doctor:
Questions about Non-Occupational Asbestos Exposure?
To learn more about non-occupational asbestos exposure and the resources available to victims of mesothelioma, contact us today. We're happy to answer your questions.