Here are some common misconceptions about asbestos:
Myth: Businesses which sold and manufactured asbestos products were unaware of the danger of asbestos exposure.
Fact: Paperwork from asbestos litigation uncovered that some of the main names in the asbestos field orchestrated a mass cover-up to conceal asbestos health threats from the public. Industry leaders often claimed they had no knowledge of asbestos health threats prior to 1964, but proof shows some businesses were concealing research results showing high disease rates in asbestos workers as early as 1929.
Myth: If you locate asbestos in your house, you must remove it as soon as you can.
Fact: In many cases, asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition can be left alone. But, if a material is destroyed or might be disturbed in the future, removal may be needed. Removal of asbestos only should be done by a certified asbestos contractor.
Myth: Mesothelioma is the only disease caused by asbestos.
Fact: Breathing in asbestos may produce various cancerous and non-cancerous diseases, which include asbestosis and lung cancer. Progressive conditions such as pleural plaque, asbestosis, as well as pleural thickening aren’t cancerous. Other asbestos-associated conditions involve COPD, atelectasis, pleural effusion, and pleuritic.
Myth: Masks may protect one from asbestos.
Fact: Not all respirators and masks will guard people from exposure. Paper dust masks aren’t sufficient at filtering asbestos from air; therefore, professionals utilize a half face respirator that is fitted with a purple HEPA filter especially made for asbestos. Even those masks may fail if they do not properly fit. Additionally, secondary exposure may occur in family members if employees bring home asbestos on their work boots, hair, tools, or clothes.
