Asbestos Mouth

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You could be exposed to asbestos today if your job involves working in certain roles in old buildings. You may have been exposed to asbestos if you worked in an industry such as building or construction, particularly from the 1950s to the 1990s. Nyas, P. et al. (2017).Cancer Incidence in Asbestos-Exposed Workers: An Update on Four Finnish Cohorts. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447405/

Inhalation of asbestos fibers has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancerin many studies of asbestos-exposed workers. This increased risk is seen with all forms of asbestos (there is no “safe” type of asbestos in terms of lung cancer risk). In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the higher the risk of lung cancer. Most cases of lung cancer in asbestos workers develop at least a decade after first exposure to asbestos. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer but not mesothelioma. Smoking can worsen the progression of asbestosis. prior to use being banned asbestos was used in many products including insulation material for buildings, boilers and pipes; car brakes and floor tiles Intact asbestos materials in a place where they are unlikely to be disturbed should not cause any harm.Merlo, D.F. et al. (2018, December 29). Mortality among workers exposed to asbestos at the shipyard of Genoa, Italy: a 55 years follow-up. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-018-0439-1 Dutheil, F. et al. (2020, February 14). Prostate Cancer and Asbestos: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7039423/ In August 2000, the EPA conducted a series of tests to evaluate the risk for consumers of adverse health effects associated with exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. The EPA concluded that exposure to asbestos from some vermiculite products poses only a minimal health risk. The EPA recommended that consumers reduce the low risk associated with the occasional use of vermiculite during gardening activities by limiting the amount of dust produced during vermiculite use. Specifically, the EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it; avoid bringing dust from vermiculite into the home on clothing; and use premixed potting soil, which is less likely to generate dust ( 2). Iizuka, T. et al. (2021, April). Clinical relevance of endoscopic treatment for superficial pharyngeal cancer: feasibility of techniques corresponding to each location and long-term outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016510720346344

Mazurek, J.M. et al. (2017, March 3). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality — United States, 1999-2015. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6608a3.htm there are 2 sub-groups; serpentine (white asbestos) and amphiboles (including blue and brown asbestos) of which serpentine was the more commonly used Asbestos is a general name given to several naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have crystallised to form fibres. Asbestos fibres do not dissolve in water or evaporate, they are resistant to heat, fire, chemical and biological degradation and are mechanically strong. Vocal changes: A person’s voice may become quieter or sound huskier. People can also develop slurred speech or have difficulty pronouncing certain words. Most people who have been exposed to asbestos in small amounts don't develop lung cancer. If you are worried about your risk of lung cancer because of asbestos, talk to your GP.Mesotheliomas typically take a long time to develop. The time between first exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually 30 years or more. Unfortunately, the risk of mesothelioma does not drop with time after exposure to asbestos. The risk appears to be lifelong. Chang, C. et al. (2020, April). Talc exposure and risk of stomach cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational cohort studies. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092966461830353X

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/CDPH%20Document%20Library/AsbestosFactSheet_201711_final-ADA.pdf Asbestos products are still commonly found in homes built or renovated prior to 1990. They can be harmful only if the asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in.

Preventing leukoplakia and mouth cancer

Another EPA resource that may be of interest is the brochure titled Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. Released in April 2007, this brochure includes work practices for both automotive professionals and home mechanics that may be used to avoid asbestos exposure. It also summarizes existing OSHA regulatory requirements for professional auto mechanics. Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It is strong and heat resistant, which is why it was widely used in a range of products. Your local council – for enquiries or concerns regarding the removal or disposal of asbestos in your neighbourhood, visit Know Your Council External Link to find your local council