Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

While asbestos is now known to be a carcinogen that can lead to various kinds of cancers, a recent event that occurred Down Under put the naturally occurring mineral on front page news. 

According to a recent report, an observant parent discovered that mulch used at a playground in Sydney, Australia, contained asbestos. On the heels of the discovery, the authorities told locals to avoid the popular park. The report noted that the mulch was used in various gardens throughout the Rozelle parklands. 

Fortunately, preliminary tests show that the health risk is low and that the asbestos fibers are not airborne. The discovery was almost an accident. A parent from the area took her kids to the park and, when returning home with her children, took a small sample of the mulch with her. The parent found what appeared to be asbestos and reported it.

The report added that the asbestos found was the bonded variety rather than the fibrous type. Bonded asbestos can’t be crumbled or broken up by hand pressure — because the fibers are bonded together. That reduces the risk. But while the risks are lower, there is still a risk.

That begs the question of what people can do — whether residing in Australia, the U.S., or elsewhere —  to reduce their asbestos exposure risks. Exposure can lead to many health complications. One of the most severe is mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer. So, it makes sense to learn how to reduce the odds of a cancer diagnosis with a low life expectancy.

Here are three ways to reduce your and your family’s risks of asbestos exposure. You’ll find that prevention is easier than dealing with the health complications that asbestos can cause.

1. Beware of Doing Home Renovation Projects Yourself

It’s ironic that a place where people should feel the safest — their homes — harbors some of the most significant risks. Asbestos is a silent risk that can have a negative impact. While the U.S. banned asbestos products in the summer of 1989, any home built before then might have asbestos lurking behind the walls, on the ceiling tiles, and elsewhere. 

What does that mean for you? If you plan to do any home improvement work independently, you’ll want to re-evaluate those plans, should there be a risk of encountering asbestos. You can run into problems if your DIY project includes working with furnace ducts, cement sheets, door gaskets, vinyl floor tiles and related adhesives, roofing, siding, and other things. 

If the time has come to turn your unfinished basement into a finished basement or create your dream kitchen, consider hiring professionals to do the job safely and correctly. The contractor will know if there’s a credible asbestos risk and arrange to have the proper tests done. Yes, you’ll pay more if professionals are involved, but the asbestos risks aren’t worth the cost savings.

2. Avoid Areas Where Contamination is Possible

The home environment presents some risks, but so does the workplace environment. In fact, the workplace is where many people encounter asbestos. Occupations with heightened risks include carpenters, auto mechanics, HVAC workers, bricklayers, demolition workers, drywallers, boilermakers, and military members. And that’s just a partial list of jobs presenting higher risks.

If you worked in any of these industries prior to the asbestos ban, get checked out by your doctor. You’ll need screening tests to see if there are any issues related to asbestos exposure. One problem stemming from exposure is cancer, such as mesothelioma. It’s possible you’ve never heard of mesothelioma before. But it’s among the most aggressive and deadly cancers.

If you work in an environment where exposure to asbestos is possible, be careful. It’ll be in your best interests to avoid problem areas or to wear appropriate gear if you can’t avoid these areas. You don’t want to be in such areas unnecessarily. So, don’t eat, drink, or hang out there. 

You’ll also want to avoid doing anything that can cause the asbestos fibers to get airborne. That means don’t sweep or unnecessarily trek through such areas.

3. Prevent Second-Hand Exposure

Another way to reduce asbestos exposure risks is to cut down on instances of second-hand exposure. So, if you work in an environment where exposure is possible, ensure you don’t take those risks home to your family. Asbestos fibers can get on your clothes, in your hair, and on your skin. When you get home, these fibers can get into the air, where they can be inhaled. 

If your workplace presents such risks, your employer must offer facilities where you can change your contaminated clothing for fresh clothing before heading home. You should also have shower facilities to clean your hair and skin.

Consider these tips to reduce exposure to asbestos. Exposure increases your risks of various health complications. But you can lower your odds by taking the appropriate measures.