Some Communities Have Higher Risk of Asbestos Exposure:
We’ve all heard about the dangers of asbestos, and many of us know that workers in certain industries may face asbestos exposure on the job. But it is possible to face asbestos exposure even if you’ve never worked with the cancer-causing mineral.
Should I Worry About Asbestos Exposure?
Many of us assume that we’ve never been exposed to asbestos if we never worked with asbestos or in an industry with known asbestos exposure. While occupational exposure is the most common way people face asbestos exposure, some communities face a higher risk of accidental asbestos exposure through the environment, second-hand, or natural exposure. A recent study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined these disparities. The investigator, Edward A. Emmett from the University of Pennsylvania’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine, addressed community exposure and how community leaders can prevent and treat asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Exposure
Typically, the people most at risk for asbestos exposure are those in certain industries such as:
- Asbestos mining
- Firefighters
- Shipyard workers
- Naval veterans
- Industrial workers
- Construction workers
However, as the use of asbestos decreases around the world, people are more likely to experience other types of asbestos exposure, including:
- Para-exposure: Second-hand exposure from living with someone who works with asbestos or in an asbestos-exposed industry.
- Environmental Exposure: Environmental exposure often happens in communities near asbestos mining operations, asbestos transport, or other industries that release asbestos fibers into the air or water.
- Natural Exposure: Natural exposure can often happen in unexpected ways. For example, one small town in Turkey had homes constructed of a rock that contained a type of asbestos, leading to community exposure.
Recommendations for High-Risk Communities
In his paper, Dr. Emmett recommends communities with a high risk of asbestos exposure adopt policies to help protect and treat their populations, including:
- Banning the mining and transport of asbestos,
- Implementing early screening programs for everyone in the community,
- Implementing public health diagnosis and treatment, and
- Offering psychological and social support.
You Need Experienced Legal Advice
If you or a loved one are facing mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. We can help. Call the Madeksho Law Firm today at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us online. Your first consultation is free, and you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
