4 Effective Modern Safety Protocols for Preventing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a fairly rare yet deadly form of cancer. Statistics show that there are about 3,000 new cases every year in the U.S. This cancer attacks the lining of your lungs, abdomen, or heart.  

The primary reason for the cause of mesothelioma is asbestos fibers. These fibers pose a serious health issue when inhaled. 

Moreover, the mesothelioma symptoms take decades to show up after inhaling these fibers. Hence it’s next to impossible for specialists to detect mesothelioma at the early stages.

However, fortunately, there are a few effective precautionary measures that can lower mesothelioma risk. Implementing these safety protocols in workplaces where asbestos could be potentially present could be fruitful. 

The Threat of Asbestos

Asbestos consists of a group of organic minerals with heat-resistant and flame-resistant properties. These fibers are incredibly strong and flexible. Hence, asbestos was in high demand because of these properties throughout the 20th century.

Speaking of their uses, the mineral was used in building materials like roofing sheets, siding, floor tiles, and fireproofing sprays. It was used for thermal insulation in homes and buildings due to its heat-resistant properties. 

Shockingly, firefighters’ suits, gloves, and even some clothes had asbestos fibers for fire protection. They were also used in brake linings, clutch pads, and gaskets because of their heat resistance.

Unfortunately, asbestos’s very properties make it dangerous for our health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates about 125 million people worldwide are highly exposed to asbestos at work. Every year, close to 255,000 people lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos materials release nanoscale fibers when disturbed and can become airborne and easily inhaled. 

These fibers are way too small to be expelled by the lungs and can get stuck in the lung tissue. Eventually, these fibers damage tissues and cause inflammation leading to mesothelioma.

Modern Safety Protocols for Preventing Mesothelioma

Asbestos Identification and Mapping

The first important step towards preventing mesothelioma is identifying and mapping all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your workplace. Having this knowledge helps employers implement safety measures and keep their workers healthy.

Qualified inspectors use a variety of methods to identify asbestos. They look for things like textured ceiling tiles or pipes with lag that might contain asbestos by inspecting them visually. Air sampling is another method that can give you a more accurate asbestos assessment because you collect and analyze airborne fibers.

It’s important to have a detailed asbestos map. You can clearly identify the location and type of ACMs. This helps employers to prioritize cleanup efforts, build safe work zones, and keep workers informed.

Asbestos Abatement and Removal 

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified and you feel like there is a potential risk, a trained professional’s intervention becomes important. A trained professional is the right person for proper asbestos abatement. 

During abatement, you either remove or seal the ACMs to stop them from releasing asbestos fibers.

If you opt for a removal process, you need to physically remove ACMs from the workplace environment. It is the most effective method. However, you need to follow certain strict regulations and get the necessary permits for the safe handling and disposal of asbestos waste.

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For sealing the ACMs, you need to use a special coating to prevent fiber release. Even though this method is less intrusive than the removal method, you still need to monitor and maintain for continued, effective results.

All in all, safe asbestos abatement is not an easy process. It requires special training and equipment. Things might go very wrong if you don’t handle the process properly. 

According to Forbes, interior asbestos removal costs anywhere between $5 and $20 per square foot. The cost depends on where the asbestos is and how easy it is to remove. Hence, a 200-square-foot space will probably cost between $1,000 and $4,000 to remove asbestos.

If you think there is asbestos in your workplace, contacting a professional for an inspection and abatement process could be the safest bet. Additionally, an asbestosis lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options, if you are concerned about your past asbestos exposure.

TorHoerman Law claims occupational asbestos exposure is one of the most common causes of asbestosis. There are thousands of asbestosis cases every year despite the regulations imposed by the government. Hence, it makes more sense to be on the safer side and get in touch with both a lawyer and a professional inspector.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential precautionary guard to protect yourself from asbestos exposure when working around ACMs. The PPE kit comes with respirators, which is the most important piece of PPE. 

The role of respirators is to filter out harmful asbestos fibers from inhaled air. However, different types of respirators offer different levels of protection. 

Out of those respirators, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtered respirators are the essential ones. They trap 99.97% of airborne particles that are less than 0.3 microns in size, including asbestos fibers.

The other important part of PPE kits are the protective suits and gloves. Protective suits are disposable or reusable suits that come with hoods and boots. They prevent skin contact with asbestos fibers.

On the other hand, durable gloves protect your hands from getting in contact with contaminated materials.

The most important thing that comes with PPE is its usage. It’s important to use, maintain, and dispose of PPE properly to make the best use of it. 

Workers should be thoroughly trained on how to select a respirator, how to fit it, how to wear it, and how to clean it. PPE needs to be regularly inspected for damage and thrown away according to regulations for continued protection.

Work Practice Controls and Medical Monitoring

Safe work practices like wet work methods and designated work zones help minimize dust. Workers need to get trained on safe handling techniques and emergency protocols in case of an emergency.

Additionally, regular medical monitoring, including chest X-rays, allows for early detection of asbestos-related health complications. These combined approaches could potentially protect you from mesothelioma.

National Library of Medicine reports, new mesothelioma cases have dropped significantly since stricter regulations came into effect. Over the past two decades, mesothelioma cases have declined despite asbestos still being used in some places. 

To put it in simple words, modern safety protocols are the key to preventing mesothelioma. By implementing the above-mentioned strong protocols in your workplace, you can significantly reduce exposure risk.

If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is crucial to managing asbestos-related illnesses.