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Exposure Types

Asbestos exposure can happen in a variety of ways. The most common method of exposure occurs through the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. Upon inhalation, the body experiences extreme difficulty in expelling these fibers and they can lodge in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Once the fibers become lodged, they lead to inflammation and irritation, but the true health effects may not be realized for 20 or more years. Asbestos fibers are very difficult to break down and remain a constant source of irritation in the lung, which can result in asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and an increased risk for a variety of other diseases.

Asbestos fibers can also be ingested in a variety of ways. The most common method of ingestion is via drinking water. This type of exposure has been suggested to increase the risk of throat, stomach, and intestinal cancer.

Occupational Exposure - Naturally Occurring Asbestos

Asbestos exposure can happen in a variety of ways, and it is often difficult to determine how or when exposure occurred. Occupational exposure, or exposure that occurs while working around asbestos, is the most common form of asbestos exposure. Many occupations have faced asbestos exposure in the past, including miners and manufacturers of asbestos products, shipbuilders, brake mechanics, and a variety of other industrial workers.

Contact with naturally occurring asbestos is another form of exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that is found in many places throughout the United States. While naturally occurring asbestos poses little threat to human health if left undisturbed, there are locations throughout the U.S. that have experienced a veritable threat of hazardous exposure. Particularly in California, much of the naturally occurring asbestos is close enough to the surface of the soil that it is easily disturbed. When disturbed by wind, landscaping, construction, or other forms of human activity, asbestos particles become airborne and present a health hazard.

Another location where naturally occurring asbestos has been a serious problem is Libby, Montana, where vermiculite that was mined from the area was contaminated with asbestos. The mining process not only released asbestos fibers into the air, but the vermiculite that was sold around the world was heavily contaminated with this toxic mineral.

Determining When Exposure Occurred

One of the first concerns for those who develop an asbestos-related disease is when exposure occurred. Asbestos-induced diseases typically develop decades after exposure initially occurs, making it difficult to determine exactly when exposure took place. The majority of asbestos exposures occur in an occupational setting, and as such, a review of employment history is one of the first steps in determining when exposure occurred. An experienced asbestos attorney can help in this process, as they have the knowledge and know-how to assist in discovering this important factor.

Limiting Exposure

Limiting and avoiding exposure to asbestos is the best way to reduce the risk of developing asbestos-related disease. While there is no safe level of exposure, avoiding contact with asbestos even in the smallest degrees can help to prevent future possible illness.

The following include a variety of ways to limit asbestos exposure:

• If working around any asbestos-containing materials, wear a mask that contains a HEPA filter and covers the nose and mouth securely.
• Clothes worn when working around asbestos-containing materials should not be worn into the home. Shoes should be wiped down with a damp cloth or left outside.
• If living in an area with high natural levels of asbestos, minimize dust. This can be done by paving driveways, keeping windows shut when the weather is dry, and avoiding the disturbance of soil during landscaping. Also, be mindful of any normal activities that disturb soil, such as biking, playing games, and other forms of physical activity.
• If living in an older home, assume that it contains asbestos building materials. Any remodeling project should be assessed and performed by a professional asbestos abatement contractor, and observers should not be permitted in the area without the same safety gear as those performing the work.

To learn more about "exposure types" and other relating topics, fill out the form on the right or call us at 1-800-ASBESTOS (1-800-272-3786) to receive an information packet in the mail.

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