How to Keep Your Air Safe : Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint

 If you suspect that you have asbestos products or any lead-based paint anywhere in your home, leave material alone. Don’t attempt removing suspected toxic materials yourself. Contact a certified asbestos-removal professional or a contractor to tackle the issues.


Further, if the asbestos is intact and remains in good condition, then the risk of asbestos exposure decreases. As long as the asbestos is undisturbed, then the deadly particles can’t become airborne and there isn’t a danger of inhalation. The same applies to any lead-based paint.


Nevertheless, if the asbestos in your home is in good condition and, yet, you remain concerned, contact a professional asbestos-removal contractor. In most cases, these professionals will seal the asbestos so that the fibers remain intact, and upon request by the homeowner, can remove the asbestos all together.


For lead-based paint issues, always let a professional handle the material.


Again, never attempt to seal or remove any suspected asbestos or lead-based paint on your own.

General Tips

Install and maintain whole-house air ventilation systems

Invest in an air cleaner or purifier

Keep your home free of mold and dust

Regularly service wood burning stoves and fireplaces

Ensure that all home windows are installed correctly and maintained regularly

Switch to natural, non-toxic household cleaners and paints

Place plants around your home

Clean and maintain your furnace regularly

Test the radon levels in your home, and if the level is unsafe, install a radon ventilation system

Asbestos workers at increased risk of heart disease and strokes

Workers exposed to asbestos as part of their job are at significantly greater risk of heart disease and stroke than the general population, finds research published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

The research indicates women seem to be at greater risk than men.

It is well known that asbestos can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis, as a direct result of their exposure .

The researchers explored the impact of asbestos as an inflammatory agent on the risk of heart disease and stroke.

They analysed cause of death among just under 100,000 asbestos workers taking part in regular voluntary health monitoring and answering questions on levels of exposure for the Asbestos Workers Survey.

The average monitoring period = 19 years

The average age on the date of the first medical examination being 35.

Over half of the men (58%) and women (52%) were smokers at the time of their first medical examination, proportions which had fallen only slightly (55% and 49%) at the time of their last medical examination. Smoking is a known risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

The research team compared the number of deaths from stroke and heart attacks among these workers between 1971 and 2005 against the number that would be expected to occur in the general population (standardised mortality ratios).

During the study period, 15,557 people died from all causes. 

Stroke accounted for just over 1000 deaths while heart disease caused for another 4000.

Male asbestos workers were 63% more likely to die of a stroke and 39% more likely to die of heart disease. The corresponding figures for women were, respectively, 100% and 89%.

Mesothelioma is an incurable asbestos cancer

Mesothelioma is an incurable asbestos cancer. This short film was produced to raise awareness of the issues around mesothelioma. It includes interviews with people who have the disease. It was produced for Action Mesothelioma day on belhalf of Forum of Asbestos Victim Support Groups. For more information visit
http://improveourhealth.blogspot.com

WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA

A video that explains the three types of Mesothelioma malignant cancer 
http://improveourhealth.blogspot.com

Mesothelioma Video from http://www.mesothelioma.us: In this video a medical doctor explains types of mesothelioma. In the full DVD he explains mesothelioma stages, mesothelioma types, mesothelioma symptoms, and mesothelioma diagnosis. Most importantly mesothelioma treatments are discussed. This is the first mesothelioma video in a new series aimed at providing the most comprehensive information possible to patients and their families. Other videos in the series may contain information on how people receive financial compensation for medical bills, pain management techniques, hospitals - doctors, and helpful guides on what to do after diagnosis. We sincerely hope you learn something from our mesothelioma videos and thank you for watching.

Ruptured Steam Pipe Blows Through Asphalt And Spews Asbestos Fibers Into Downtown St. Louis Air

Some days back, an underground steam pipe insulated with asbestos split in close proximity to the St. Louis Convention Center. The ruptured pipe reportedly blasted steam four stories high.

Unfortunately, the blast spewed more than steam, asbestos fibers were also released into the air. North 11^thstreet has been closed since the pipe rupture last week and environmental testing of the surrounding area has revealed asbestos contamination.

In an effort to cleanse affected areas, Trigen-St. Louis Energy Corp (the company responsible for the piping) has power washed area streets and buildings twice.

This incident is a reminder that while the widespread manufacture and sale of asbestos products in Missouri and the United States has ceased, the environmental problem posed by asbestos is, unfortunately, alive and well. Additionally, despite the efforts of Trigen, the asbestos that was released into St. Louis cannot simply be washed away. Once released into the atmosphere, asbestos fibers persist and cannot be recaptured. Fortunately, the health risks posed to the public at large from this isolated incident is likely small. The vast majority of mesothelioma victims are exposed to asbestos over a regular, longer period of time than an isolated incident like this one.

news from :http://obrienlawfirm.com/