Mesothelioma Cancer Risks & Sources of Exposure

Most people that are exposed to very small amounts of asbestos in our daily life do not develop health problems. However if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs potentially increasing the risk of a disease. Asbestos material that may crumble easily or scraped into a powder is likely to create a health hazard.

The risk that you may develop mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled.

Asbestos Exposure Sources:

Insulation - Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.

Steam pipes,  furnace ducts and boilers. Insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape, these materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired or removed improperly.

Resilient floor tiles. Vinyl asbestos, rubber tiles, as well as the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives used for installing floor tile may contain asbestos. Sanding or scraping the tiles or backing material during removal can release fibers.

Cement sheet, millboard and paper. Used as insulation around furnaces and wood-burning stoves, these materials may release asbestos fibers during repair or removal of the appliances or by cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling or sawing the insulation.

Door gaskets in oil furnaces, wood stoves and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use.

Soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly or water-damaged material may release fibers, as will sanding, drilling or scraping the material.

Textured paint and patching/joint compounds for walls and ceilings. Use of these materials was banned in 1977. Sanding or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.

Asbestos cement roofing, shingles and siding. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, cut or drilled.

Household products. These include artificial ashes and embers for use in gas-fired fireplaces, as well as older products such as fireproof gloves, stovetop pads, ironing board covers and certain hairdryers.

Automobile parts. These include linings and break pads, clutch facings and gaskets.

Prevention

Every effort should be made to prevent inhalation of any irritant particles including asbestos by keeping dust from being released into the air. Regular medical examinations are the best way to determine whether you are affected by inhaled irritants. Proper use of respirators and masks in hazardous environments can decrease the risk of inhalation.

This article was reviewed April 2004, by Ernest H. Rosenbaum, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA.