| Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by | | | | before leaving the workplace |
| exposure to asbestos. Statistics show that there are | | | | - Washing work clothes at workplace |
| 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year. | | | | Some studies have also shown that workers who |
| Mesothelioma prevention is about eliminating the cause | | | | smoke have higher chances of developing |
| of the disease: asbestos. The most number of | | | | mesothelioma than those who don't. |
| mesothelioma cases are occupational-related, while | | | | Studies have shown that non-occupational exposure in |
| non-occupational related or secondary mesothelioma | | | | public buildings, schools, and homes also occur since |
| cases are not rare. Mesothelioma prevention should | | | | asbestos is used in building materials such insulation |
| start by knowing the sources of asbestos, and | | | | and plumbing. Use of asbestos in building materials and |
| knowing how to remove them. | | | | paints was prevalent especially from the 1930s to the |
| Certain types of workers are considered at high risk | | | | 1970s. For non-occupational mesothelioma prevention, |
| for mesothelioma based on the nature of occupation | | | | the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| that they have. The following are workers considered | | | | recommends a number of steps. |
| as high risk: | | | | Asbestos was used in the production of roofs, siding |
| - Brick layers, longshoremen, drywall contractors, | | | | shingles, vinyl floor tiles, adhesives, stove top pads, and |
| electricians, drillers, miners, sheet metal workers, | | | | hot water pipes. Homes built before the 1950s may be |
| painters, mechanics (exposure to asbestos in brakes | | | | more likely to have used materials containing asbestos. |
| and clutches), and building inspectors | | | | If you suspect presence of asbestos in your home, |
| - Occupations that include manufacture of asbestos | | | | have samples of your building materials removed and |
| such as fireproofing and plumbing; manufacture of | | | | laboratory-tested by an asbestos professional. |
| gaskets, floor tiles, pipe coverings, and cement | | | | Do not disturb asbestos materials. This will only release |
| - Workers in asbestos-manufacturing factories | | | | fibrous materials into the air, which can be inhaled into |
| - People employed in shipyards, rail yard, oil refinery, | | | | the lungs. Do not sweep asbestos materials, or sand, |
| and building industries | | | | scrape, and drill holes into materials that may contain |
| For people working in the trades describes above, | | | | asbestos. Contact an asbestos abatement or removal |
| make sure that workplace regulations as defined by | | | | professional to remove asbestos-containing materials |
| the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration | | | | from your home. |
| for mesothelioma prevention are in place. Some | | | | If there are asbestos fibers on the floor or any |
| asbestos fibers may attach to hair, skin, and clothing, | | | | surface of your home, never sweep or vacuum them |
| and you can put your family at risk if brought home. | | | | as they will only cause fibers to go airborne. Contact |
| For mesothelioma prevention, federal laws now require | | | | an asbestos abatement professional right away for |
| workers to follow several precautions including: | | | | proper removal of fibers. |
| - Showering before leaving the workplace | | | | Public buildings should do the same mesothelioma |
| - Storing clothes separate from work clothes in the | | | | prevention steps such as having building materials |
| workplace | | | | sampled, cleaned, and removed by asbestos |
| - Changing out of work clothes into street clothes | | | | professionals. |