April 1-7th marks Asbestos Awareness Week
You’ve probably heard about the dangers of asbestos—but, like me, you probably thought it was something that used to be prevalent…
Well, the infographic below sure woke me up with the fact that 30 million pounds of asbestos are still used each year in the United States. Plus…
more than 107,000 deaths each year around the world are attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos.
But first, learn about the dangers of asbestos around minute 37:00 in this Green Divas Radio Show featuring Linda Reinstein, President/CEO and co-founder of Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
Asbestos is a mineral used in building, roofing, insulation, flooring, and even automobiles—so you can only imagine how many people have been exposed to it at some level.
Mesothelioma, the cancer most often associated with asbestos exposure, has been effecting people in various professions and walks of life throughout our nations history. I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials about the awful health impacts of those exposed to asbestos, and plenty of lawsuits and settlements. I’m sure I’m not the only one who assumed that construction workers were no longer at risk for this disease, since surely something so dangerous would not still be in use.
But the fact is that it’s still around, as it has been used so extensively in the past. With the presence of asbestos in many homes built prior to 1980, and buildings like schools and commercial buildings, many unsuspecting people are still at risk.
Why not take some time this week to consider if there is asbestos in your home, school or work environment. Speak up and ask questions—there are strict policies now in place to ensure proper handling of asbestos, so as to limit further exposure. But, like most things, protecting yourself starts with being informed. If you had no idea that the floor tiles in your 1970 ranch could contain asbestos, you just might start to tear them up by yourself for your next DIY project.
Take a look at this infographic for some surprising facts about asbestos use:
Bonus:
Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show podcast for more about green and healthy living…
Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green and healthy living podcasts—daily on GDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)!
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Infographic via Mesothelioma.com | Image via Shutterstock
Mary D'Alba
April 1, 2015 at 11:42 pm
My Dad lost his battle with mesothelioma on May 7, 2014. He contracted it through his work as a floor installer for many years. It was always my biggest fear that this would be how he left us. A death not necessary but hopefully not in vain. Be aware and be careful. XO
AWARE | Class A Asbestos Removal Melbourne
May 6, 2015 at 12:29 am
Very sad to hear about your loss, Mary. It’s tough to see your parent fight against something that still has no cure. Great message you gave us. Always be aware of your surroundings, and be careful on where you live. Always undergo inspection to make sure that you are asbestos free to protect the lives of your family.
Linda Tucker
December 4, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Wow, I had no idea that asbestos was still such a prominent problem for people! Just the fact that over 700,000 schools still have asbestos is really shocking to me. In fact, seeing this makes me want to check my own home for it! Although I bought my house recently, it was built in the 1970’s, so there is a chance that asbestos could be lurking in the insulation!