How to Prevent Mesothelioma Cancer

People often ask how to prevent mesothelioma. Although most Americans are not yet aware of the threat of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases, the family members and friends of mesothelioma victims are acutely concerned about how to prevent mesothelioma from striking others. Mesothelioma cancer has already killed thousands of Americans, and it continues to be diagnosed at an alarming rate.

Prevent Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, a mineral used in many products that we encounter on a daily basis. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the use of asbestos was cut back extensively by government regulation. However, asbestos continues to be present in many products and applications, and if you're wondering how to prevent mesothelioma, the most effective way is to avoid or at least limit your asbestos exposure — at work , at home, and in public buildings.

Asbestos At Work

If you have (or your loved one has) a job working with asbestos, it's a good idea to either look for other work or try to ensure that all possible asbestos-related safety precautions are being followed. Some of the jobs that present the highest risk of mesothelioma cancer are:

• Asbestos manufacturing and removal, also known as asbestos abetment
  
• Insulation manufacturing, installation, and removal
• Factory workers
• Miners
• Construction workers
• Railroad workers
• Ship building and shipyard workers
• Gas mask manufacturers
• Automotive repair (brakes and clutches may contain asbestos)

Asbestos At Home

Another important way to prevent mesothelioma is to eliminate "friable" or crumbling, flaking, asbestos in your home. Older homes may well contain materials with asbestos, and if you suspect that there is asbestos in your home, you can have a sample of the building material tested in a laboratory. Look in a phone directory under "asbestos removal" for a place to start. It's possible to safely remove asbestos from your home by yourself, but it's not easy; your best bet may be to hire a certified asbestos abatement/removal contractor.

Asbestos In Public Buildings

Some schools, libraries, office buildings, theaters, and other public buildings that were constructed before the 1980s have asbestos components. Asbestos that is in place and not disturbed is not thought to present a risk of mesothelioma cancer, but if you suspect that any of a building's components (such as ceiling tiles or plumbing insulation) are becoming friable and dangerous, bring it to the attention of city authorities. Many municipalities have already begun campaigns to rid their aging schools of asbestos.