Healthy Habits: Asbestos and Your Kids

Asbestos and Your Kids

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your kids. If you've recently discovered that your older home might contain asbestos, you may panic, wondering what you can do to keep your children safe. 

First, relax. There are professionals trained in the remediation and removal of asbestos, a heat-resistant fiber that is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials. Educate yourself on the potential dangers of this substance and what you can do to get it out of your home.

Where Can Asbestos be Found in the Home?

Asbestos is used in many applications, including building materials, insulation and vehicle brakes. It may also be found in textured paint and patching compounds, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Its use in homes has been banned since 1977; however, if you live in an older home, asbestos may still be present. 

Asbestos may also be present in roofing and siding shingles, stovetop pads, hot water and steam pipes, oil and coal furnaces, and areas surrounding wood burning stoves. From basements to attics, asbestos could be anywhere. If you come across asbestos on your own, leave it alone, and call a professional. If you stir up the fibers, asbestos could be released into the air and enter a person's lungs, posing a health threat, particularly to small children. The CPSC recommends looking for signs of damage, such as water damage or tears, but never to touch it, as hitting, rubbing, or otherwise handling the substance can release harmful fibers.

Identifying Asbestos

It's difficult to determine if a material contains asbestos unless it is labeled as such. If you're unsure whether it contains asbestos, hire a professional asbestos remediation and removal company to examine your house. They can take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. Do not take your own samples, which could expose you to the fibers. Professionals wear proper masks and suits to prevent personal exposure. 

Health Issues

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, asbestos can cause a host of health problems, including diseases in the lungs and other organs that may not come out until years after exposure. The CPSC notes that breathing in asbestos fibers has been known to cause certain types of lung cancers, including mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and asbestosis, where fibrous tissue scars the lungs. 

Typically, asbestos poisoning is most commonly seen in industrial and shipyard workers who have been exposed to asbestos over long periods of time. Chances are, even if you do discover asbestos in your home, and it's in an out-of-the-way place that has not been disturbed, you and your kids will be fine. However, there have been cases that have involved children and asbestos exposure in the past. 

This article was written by Ashlyn Cooper, mommy and blogger.  Ashlyn recommends that if you are considering a mesothelioma lawsuit, consider contacting Shrader Law, lawyers with expertise in this area.