Mesothelioma Prevention Tips

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, rare cancer that can affect the lungs, the heart or the abdomen. Caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, mesothelioma is diagnosed in close to 3,000 Americans each year. With no known cure for mesothelioma, an emphasis is being placed on prevention or early detection to minimize the impact of this deadly disease.

With the primary known cause of mesothelioma being exposure to asbestos, the best way to prevent mesothelioma is to limit or eliminate interaction with asbestos. While that may not be possible for the occupational workers that were exposed to asbestos years ago, before stiff government regulations were imposed, these prevention tips may help curb the continued growth of mesothelioma cases.

Avoid Smoking. Asbestos-related lung disease can present itself as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. According to FirstHealth of the Carolinas, "lung cancer is five times more common in asbestos-exposed individuals and 100 times more common in smoking, asbestos-exposed individuals than it is in the non-smoking, non-asbestos-exposed population."

The National Institutes of Health further states that there is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers. That group further indicates that people who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life, or who suspect they may have been exposed, should not smoke.

Handling Asbestos in the Home. If you think asbestos may be in your home, the safest course of action is to leave undisturbed any material that you believe may contain asbestos. Check the asbestos-containing material regularly to look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions or flaking. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers if disturbed.

If you are not ready to have the damaged asbestos removed, the best way to manage the slightly damaged material is to limit access to the area and not touch or disturb it. For information on proper disposal and handling procedures for asbestos, contact your local environmental officials.

It is possible to have slightly damaged material contained through either encapsulation or enclosure. This should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely. If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are planning renovations, removal may be required. Removal is expensive and poses the greatest risk of fiber release. Removal by a professional is required.

Mechanics and Asbestos Exposure. The EPA strongly recommends that all automotive brake and clutch repair work be done by professional auto mechanics. While the use of asbestos in friction products in automobiles, including brakes and clutches, is declining annually, it remains a source of potential exposure. Many brakes and clutches used in new and recent model automobiles do not contain asbestos, but it has not been totally eliminated. OSHA’s asbestos standard requires the use of controls and safe work practices when employees work with brake shoes and clutches.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency there is no way to tell whether your car brakes or clutch contain asbestos. As a result, the EPA and OSHA states that anyone working on car brakes should assume that they have asbestos-type shoes. 

OSHA has developed guidelines for commercial and home mechanics working on brakes.  For auto mechanics that work on less than fives sets of brakes a week, the agency recommends using the wet-wipe method to manage the dust.  This method involves using a spray bottle or other device capable of delivering a fine mist of water at low pressure to wet all brake and clutch parts. The brakes can then be wiped clean with a cloth.
All automotive brake and clutch repair facilities in the United States must comply with OSHA asbestos standards. The proper use of engineering controls and work practices by properly trained employees working on automotive brakes and clutches will reduce their asbestos exposure below the permissible exposure level of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. Respiratory protection is not required during brake and clutch jobs where the proper control methods are used.

Workplace Precautions. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safety practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses.

In regards to asbestos exposure, OSHA sets specific limits for employees to airborne concentration of asbestos to 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air during an eight-hour shift and one fiber per cubic centimeter during a 30-minute time period. The employers must also provide compliant protective respiratory and clothing equipment.

Employees also share the responsibility for ensuring asbestos is handled properly and that all safety precautions are followed. No employee should leave an asbestos-material workplace without changing into clean clothes. Without this precaution, the potential of taking asbestos fibers into the home puts family members at risk of exposure.

General Prevention Tips. Scientists have not yet determined what makes certain people exposed to asbestos susceptible to contracting mesothelioma. However, they agree that avoiding exposure to asbestos is the first step in preventing the spread of the disease. The following tips can also be beneficial:

1. Health Screenings. Contact a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Early detection can significantly increase your survival rate.
2. Question asbestos risks. If you are aware of a potential asbestos-exposure risk, bring it to the attention of the proper authorities.
3. Don’t “do-it-yourself.” Improper handling of asbestos can put many people at risk. If there is any question as to whether asbestos is present when undertaking a renovation project, repair project or brake adjustment, contact a certified professional.
4. Get educated. Stay informed on asbestos-related news, mesothelioma treatments, and risks and hazards pertaining to asbestos in your area. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to avoid potential risks.