Mesothelioma prevention refers to the methods of reducing or eliminating exposure to asbestos, the known cause of the disease. At the core of mesothelioma prevention are two basic things: knowing the cause of mesothelioma and knowing the proper ways of eliminating risk factors.
Occupational Mesothelioma
Miners, railroad workers, insulation manufacturers, construction workers, ship builders, auto mechanics, construction workers, and workers in asbestos-manufacturing factories are at higher risk for developing mesothelioma. Though US workplaces are now subject to health and safety regulations of the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration, following these regulations to the letter is the most essential step in mesothelioma prevention. Wearing of safety mask prevents workers from inhaling asbestos fibers. Before going out of your workplace to lunch or to go home, change out of your work clothes and take a shower. This is important to prevent exposing other people to asbestos fibers that may adhere to clothes, skin, and hair. Do not wear your work clothes outside of your workplace; change to your street clothes before going home. It is also advise that you launder your work clothes in your workplace instead of sending it to a laundry shop or washing it at home.
Non-occupational Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma prevention should also be practiced at homes and public places. People who are at risk for asbestos exposure are not only workers, but also families whose homes have materials that contain asbestos. Some public buildings (especially older ones) may have been built with asbestos-containing materials as well. Some materials that may contain asbestos are: stove tops, shingles, roofs, insulation, vinyl tile, steam pipes, and hot water pipes.
For houses, public buildings, and schools that were built before the 1980s (particularly between the 1930s and 1950s) and those built with insulation should have their buildings inspected. If you suspect asbestos in your building materials, have them lab-tested an asbestos abatement professional.
You should remove your children from areas near the asbestos-containing material. Shaking, touching, or drilling holes into materials that contain asbestos may release fibers into the air; just leave the materials. If you want to remove the materials, call a professional asbestos abatement or remover.
If there asbestos fibers on surfaces of your home, do not sweep or vacuum them as this action will only stir fibers into the air. Call an asbestos abatement professional to have them removed.