April 1 to April 7 is Global Asbestos Awareness Week. Every year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates this week to bringing together experts and victims from across the globe to share, learn, and take action. If you are only hearing about Global Asbestos Awareness Week, you might be wondering what is so important about this week. Read on as we focus on the importance of Global Asbestos Awareness Week.
What is the Importance of Global Asbestos Awareness Week?
The main goal of Global Asbestos Awareness Week is to educate the public about the continued dangers of asbestos exposure and the health problems that come with asbestos exposure. The Global Asbestos Awareness Week focuses on educating people about how to manage asbestos in order to prevent asbestos-related diseases. This week is generally about equipping people with the tools they need to protect themselves.
Below are some of the topics that are usually at the center of Global Asbestos Awareness Week.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber found in soil and rock. This mineral is resistant to electricity, corrosion, and heat. Because of its qualities, asbestos is considered useful in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing.
Indeed, asbestos use was limited in the 1980s. However, asbestos is still present in many building components. For example, asbestos can be found in ceiling tiles, wall textures, and floor tiles. Asbestos can also be found in other products such as brake pads, clutches, hairdryers, and appliances.
Asbestos is generally not harmful if left intact. But, when asbestos is disturbed, it releases dangerous microscopic fibers into the air. When these fibers are breathed, they can cause diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Unfortunately, it can take decades before someone realizes they have an asbestos-related illness. Symptoms of an asbestos-related illness can take up to 50 years to appear.
Who is Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Individuals working in certain industries are particularly at risk of asbestos exposure. Some of the workers who are most at risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Construction workers
- Firefighters
- Industrial and power plant workers
- Shipyard workers
- Plumbers
However, anyone in any occupation can get exposed to asbestos. For example, a person can get exposed to asbestos if they are present during demolition activities. An individual can also become exposed to asbestos if asbestos-containing materials near them deteriorate and wear out to the point of releasing fibers into the air.
Secondhand/secondary asbestos exposure is also a concern. Secondhand asbestos exposure usually occurs when a person who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing products takes asbestos fibers home.
Preventing Asbestos Exposure
There are many ways to prevent asbestos exposure. Workers, for example, can avoid exposure to asbestos by:
- Ensuring they have been adequately trained to work with asbestos
- Using personal protective equipment
- Ensuring asbestos waste is disposed of safely
In conclusion, as we all go about our busy lives, it is imperative that we tell our loved ones and friends about asbestos. It is crucial that we make it a point to share information about asbestos during Global Asbestos Awareness Week. After all, knowledge is power.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.