Preventions Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Prevention

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, particularly because it is difficult to diagnose early in its development. Therefore, prevention of the disease is of the utmost importance.
Quite simply, there is only one way in which you can develop mesothelioma. This deadly cancer occurs only with exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural substance, still mined in a handful of locations throughout the world, once used in hundreds of products, including insulation, building materials, and even clothing, largely due to its strength, durability, flexibility, and heat resistance. However, this substance is very fibrous and when fibers are released, small pieces of asbestos become trapped in the lungs, causing scarring and, in some cases, cancer.

Preventions at Home

The first step towards preventing mesothelioma is, of course, avoiding exposure to this toxic mineral. Asbestos is no longer used in the vast majority of products, due to national laws regulating this product. However, mesothelioma was used in almost every industry for many decades. Some of the older products in your house may contain asbestos, including:

• Joint compound
• Roofing tar
• Brake pads
• Fireproofing
• Pipes
• Insulation
• Countertops
• Floor tiles
• Textured wall and ceiling coatings

If these items are intact, they present no health hazards. However, if they are damaged or "friable", they should be removed from your house immediately. However, the removal should be done by a licensed abatement company and can be completed after air quality tests that confirm the presence of asbestos fibers.

Preventions On Job

Workers in particular industries may still be at risk for exposure to asbestos. If you are in the construction industry, for example, you may encounter old buildings that contain asbestos. It is necessary to take great care in protecting yourself if the presence of asbestos is suspected, which includes wearing proper gear so as to avoid inhalation.

Monitoring Your Health

If you've already been exposed to asbestos, regularly monitoring your health is essential in order to catch the early warning signs on the disease. Remember, your options for treatment are greater the earlier the disease is diagnosed. It is important to have regular chest x-rays and pulmonary function tests, even if you are experiencing no symptoms of the disease.
In addition, if you've been exposed to toxic asbestos in the past, you may be able to reduce your chances of developing mesothelioma by not smoking. Studies show that smoking greatly increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and, of course, anyone who does develop the disease should stop smoking immediately.