While the history of asbestos dates back to the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700s, asbestos is still present and active in many locations across America. It is estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency that up to “107,000 buildings in the United States contain asbestos, including older homes and schools”. In addition to this, the Department of Health also suggests that over “3000 products may contain asbestos”. This estimates an average of 12,000 to 15,000 asbestos-related deaths in the United States per year according to Asbestos Nation. The trajectory of asbestos-related exposures and asbestos in modern-day America is something to be concerned about for our future generations in addition to the mature ones.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a family of natural fibers often used for their strengthening properties. This makes it valuable for products that additionally require heat and chemical resistance. While it serves good use in materials, it is hazardous when inhaled or ingested. This means if the asbestos-infused product becomes cracked or broken down it can do more damage than good. Unfortunately, the fibers are still legal in the United States and present in many of today’s products.
Asbestos-Related Products
We commonly hear of asbestos being found in construction materials and can easily dismiss its relevance to everyday products, but this is a dangerous idea to have. Here is a list of everyday products that contain asbestos.
- Automotive: Brake pads
- Schools: Chalkboards, building
- Electrical: Wires, panels
- Home: Tiles, vinyl lining, paints, wallboard
- Children’s art supplies: Crayons
- Gardening: Potting soil
Asbestos-Related Diseases
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry claims the most common diseases caused by asbestos exposure are either noncancerous or cancerous.
Noncancerous:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic disease that creates scarring on the lungs due to “prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air” (American Lung Association).
- Pleural disease: This is a broader term for a range of deviations including “pleural effusions, plaques, and diffuse thickening”(Asbestosis and Asbestos-Related Pleural Diseases).
Cancerous:
- Mesothelioma: This is a disease that attacks the mesothelial cells found in vital organs. The four different types are Pleural (lungs), Pericardial (heart), Peritoneal (abdomen), and Testicular (testicles).
- Lung Cancer: This cancer can be further described as either small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer.
It is important to talk to a trusted doctor if you believe you have been a victim of asbestos exposure and are facing health-related issues. If you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos exposure or mesothelioma in the state of Pennsylvania, please call 1 (800) 505-6000 or fill out our form.
Sources:
American Lung Association. “Asbestosis.” Lung.org, 2024, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asbestosis. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
“Asbestos in the Built Environment.” Communitycommons.org, 2016, https://www.communitycommons.org/entities/c45d86df-61a7-4b95-86f6-6744c198e310#:~:text=The%20Environmental%20Protection%20Agency%20(EPA,including%20older%20homes%20and%20schools. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Clinic, Cleveland. “Asbestos Exposure: Causes, Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic, 2020, https://www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11394-asbestos-exposure-and-your-health. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
“Common Asbestos-Containing Products – MN Dept. Of Health.” State.mn.us, 2023, https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/asbestos/products.html. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
“Health Effects of Asbestos | Asbestos | ATSDR.” Cdc.gov, 26 July 2022, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/health_effects_asbestos.html. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Nation, Asbestos. “Asbestos Kills 12,000-15,000 People per Year in the U.S | Asbestos Nation – EWG Action Fund.” Asbestosnation.org, 2015, https://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-kills-12000-15000-people-per-year-in-the-u-s/. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Nation, Asbestos. “Asbestos Found in Children’s Toys | Asbestos Nation – EWG Action Fund.” Asbestosnation.org, 2015, https://www.asbestosnation.org/asbestos-found-in-childrens-toys/#:~:text=for%20detecting%20asbestos.-,The%20tests%20found%20asbestos%20in%20four%20samples%20of%20crayons%2C%20most,tested%2C%20both%20in%20fingerprinting%20powder. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
