Blog: Asbestos
- REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH: VICTIMS AND ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Sep 6, 2019
Of those who have faced struggles with asbestos in recent years, some include the workers who fought to save lives on 9/11. The attack, which happened 18 years ago, affected many of these first responders, causing them to suffer from serious medical conditions. Many suffer from chronic diseases and cancers, some of which are a result of asbestos exposure. The World Trade Center Health Program cares for over 76,000 rescue and recovery workers who were...Read More - Despite warnings decades ago, asbestos is still used in the U.S.
Aug 21, 2019
There are many important things to know about asbestos, including how significantly asbestos has affected people who have been exposed to it. Did you know that the U.S. is the only western industrial nation that has not banned asbestos? That’s despite the fact that the International Agency for Research on Cancer declared that asbestos is a carcinogen over 40 years ago. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in three deaths that result from...Read More - Does Pennsylvania have asbestos exposure regulations?
Aug 9, 2019
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral but that doesn’t mean that it’s safe to be around. If it’s breathed in, it can damage the lungs and other organs. Asbestos was a popular building material in the past, but studies have shown that it can cause serious chronic illnesses or death. For that reason, Pennsylvania has important laws to protect workers and the public from exposure. What diseases can be caused by asbestos exposure? Some diseases...Read More - Asbestos exposure can increase your risk of illness
Jul 22, 2019
Asbestos exposure can result in serious symptoms and side effects. You could develop one of several diseases related to exposure or be left with chronic health symptoms that are hard to explain. Asbestos exposure can happen anywhere, from being outdoors or working in an indoor environment. Asbestos occurs naturally, but the level of exposure you’d need to get sick is most likely to occur if you are working with insulation in attics or walls, if...Read More - Asbestos: A hazardous fiber that continues to be used in the U.S.
Jul 10, 2019
Asbestos is a serious occupational hazard that can’t be ignored. If you’re exposed to it, there is a very real chance that you could develop serious health concerns down the line. Did you know that over 125 million people are exposed to this hazardous mineral each year? The majority of those incidents happen at work, while people are doing their jobs. If you’re handling asbestos, use extreme caution It should go without saying, but since...Read More - Yes, asbestos is still legal for use in the United States
Jun 26, 2019
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does take time to review when asbestos is or is not needed in the United States. There are changes that happen, particularly when environmental concerns arise. In 2016, there was a bipartisan effort that was signed into law by President Obama: The Frank L. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This act gave the EPA the authority to regulate dangerous substances including asbestos. While the EPA did try...Read More - Know what to do if you’re exposed to asbestos
Jun 12, 2019
Asbestos is a dangerous mineral, but it is naturally occurring in the environment. Although it can be dangerous under certain circumstances, it can also have many benefits in industry. That’s why it’s not completely illegal to possess or use asbestos in America today. The problem with asbestos is that it is dangerous when breathed in. Fibers can be carried into almost any environment after exposure by riding on the person’s clothing or hair. Workers could...Read More - Asbestos exposure can cause illness in just a few days
May 30, 2019
Asbestos is a mineral that is used for many purposes around the world. In the United States, it has been used in products like insulation and floor tiles. When asbestos breaks into fibers, it can be breathed in. This makes it dangerous because those fibers can scar the lungs, esophagus and other areas of the body. If that happens, a person might suffer from mesothelioma, lung cancer or other serious complications. Is asbestos always hazardous?...Read More - Asbestos exposure: Exploring your risk of cancer
May 13, 2019
Asbestos can cause some serious and life-threatening conditions. While this is a natural mineral and has applicable uses in everyday life, it’s also the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos can cause diseases other than mesothelioma, though. Asbestos also has the potential to cause: Asbestosis Lung cancer Cancer of the larynx Ovarian cancer Stomach cancer Nonmalignant pleural and lung disorders Pleural plaques Benign pleural effusions Pleural thickening Many people are at risk of developing these...Read More - Loose asbestos is a known carcinogen
Apr 29, 2019
Most people know that asbestos is dangerous. It’s a naturally occurring mineral, and it’s used in thousands of products, but it’s most dangerous when loose in the air. People who are around loose asbestos may breathe it in, and that can lead to scarring in the lungs. If they swallow the asbestos fibers, they can suffer scarring in the esophagus or other areas of the abdomen. Did you know that asbestos exposure is the only...Read More