When it comes to asbestos in Ohio, there are far too many ill side effects related to exposure. That’s why today, we are covering 10 important things that you need to know about this dangerous and harmful substance.
Asbestos in Ohio: 10 Things You Need to Know
1. There is a Strong Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Cancer
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos has also been linked to lung cancer, ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and colorectal cancer. The link between lung cancer and asbestos was made in 1942, ovarian cancer and asbestos in 1982, laryngeal cancer and asbestos in 2009, and colorectal cancer and asbestos in 1986.
2. 3,000 People in the U.S. Are Affected By Mesothelioma Every Year!
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos, was first linked to asbestos exposure in 1964. There is no known cure for mesothelioma and treatment is aimed solely at relieving symptoms and extending life expectancy.
3. Asbestos Industry Executives Covered Up Asbestos Dangers
Despite being aware of the dangers of asbestos, industry executives covered up the health dangers it caused for decades out of greed.
4. Asbestos Isn’t Just One Material
Asbestos isn’t just one type of material. The term “asbestos” refers to a group of silicate materials that have a fibrous texture and were used in hundreds of types of products due to their heat-resistant, affordability, and hardwearing properties.
5. There Are Two Categories of Asbestos Recognized in the U.S. By the EPA
Currently, in the U.S., there are two categories of asbestos recognized – serpentine asbestos and amphibole asbestos. The most commonly found type of asbestos is serpentine asbestos. Serpentine asbestos refers to the curly nature of the asbestos fibers. The second category of asbestos is amphibole asbestos. Amphibole asbestos is so named for the thin needle-like fibers that comprise it.
6. There Are SIX Types of Asbestos Recognized in the U.S. By the EPA
Within the two categories of asbestos recognized in the U.S., there are six individual types of asbestos: Chrysotile (the only serpentine asbestos), and amphibole asbestos types: Crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite.
7. Asbestos is Still Used!
Despite the heavy regulation of asbestos use in the U.S., it is still currently legal to use asbestos in most products so long as the amount of asbestos used is no more than 1%. Additionally, countries such as China frequently use asbestos in products without such regulation.
8. Asbestos Fibers Are Silent Killers
Because airborne asbestos fibers generally cannot be seen, felt, or tasted, it’s very possible to be exposed to their negative effects without even knowing it! As individuals are exposed to these fibers over time, they can build up in the respiratory system leading to respiratory effects as well as contribute to the various types of cancer listed above.
9. Damage From Asbestos Exposure is Irreversible
When exposed to asbestos, the cells within the body are damaged. With every new exposure to asbestos, more fibers build up in the body causing increasing cellular damage. To date, there is no known way to repair the cellular damage done by asbestos exposure, which is why there is no cure for individuals suffering from mesothelioma.
10. Asbestos Was Used in…Just About Everything!
Asbestos was seen as a miraculous product because of it’s durability, affordability, and heat-resistance so it was used in just about everything you can think of including:
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Textured ceiling paints (think popcorn ceilings)
- Cement sheets
- Roof sealants
- Pipe insulation
- Block insulation
- HVAC duct insulation
- Blow-in or spray-in insulation
- Electrical wiring insulation
- Thermal paper products
- Brake pads
- Gaskets
- Acoustical plaster
- Fire doors
- Decorative plaster
- Asbestos gloves
- Other fireproofing materials
- Blankets
- Spackling
- Joint compounds
- Putties
- Caulking
- Thermal taping compounds
- Industrial product packing
- Asbestos cement pipe
- Roofing shingles
- Roofing felt
- Cement siding
- Asphalt floor tile
- Base flashing
- Vinyl wall coverings
- Clutches for automobiles and railroads
- Horticultural potting mixes
- Laboratory hoods
- Laboratory table tops
Just a few of the consumer products that have been made with asbestos include:
- Coffee pots
- Irons
- Toasters
- Crock pots
- Popcorn poppers
- Portable heaters
- Portable dishwashers
- Gasfired decorative logs
- Woodburning stoves
If you have or suspect having any of these consumer products or asbestos-contaminated materials in your home or workplace, it’s important to have a professional asbestos abatement company assess their integrity to ensure that they’re not impacting your health.
Need Help Removing Asbestos in Ohio?
If you need help with the removal of asbestos in Ohio, SafeAir Contractors can help. We have close to three decades of experience with asbestos removal in Ohio as well as lead abatement in Ohio, mold remediation in Ohio, and hazardous waste management in Ohio! To see how we can help you ASAP, just give us a call at 440-639-1191!
