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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffReducing the level of exposure to asbestos is the best prevention against asbestosis. In the United States, by law, a worker's exposure to asbestos may not exceed 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air. Federal law requires employers in industries that work with asbestos products, such as construction and shipyard industries, to monitor exposure levels, create regulated areas for asbestos work, and provide their employees with appropriate training, protective gear such as face masks, and decontamination hygiene areas.
Many homes built before the 1970s contain asbestos products, such as building insulation, insulation for hot-water and steam pipes, soundproofing and decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings, older stove-top and ironing board pads, as well as some types of textured paint, patch compounds, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl floor tiles.
Generally, there's no cause for concern being around these products as long as they're in good condition and you don't disturb them or cause them to disintegrate. It's when they're damaged that there's a danger of asbestos fibers being released into the air. If you need repair or removal of an asbestos product, it's best to have it done by a professional.
- O'Reilly KM. Asbestos-related lung disease. American Family Physician. 2007;75:683.
- Cowie, RL, et al. Asbestos-related fibrosis of the lungs (asbestosis). In:
- Mason, RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2005:1748.
- Asbestos-related disorders. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch057/ch057c.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Asbestos exposure: Questions and answers. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Asbestos exposure. Family Practice Notebook. http://www.fpnotebook.com/Lung/Asbestos/AsbstsExpsr.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Asbestos: General information. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/index.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 23, 2008.
