Travel is an exiting way to spend some time off, whether hitting a rental home on the shores of a serene lake with the family or ordering up room service in a fancy hotel. While the allure of travel can be fun, don’t ignore the threats that could lurk in the house, hotel, motel, or inn you’re staying at. Asbestos, though it may not be at the top of your priority list, is a very real concern and should be addressed. Although its use is now banned and has been for decades, older structures may still contain this dangerous mineral fiber that, when released into the air, can be breathed in and lead to cancer and other serious conditions. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family against the effects of asbestos when traveling:
The Presence of Asbestos
While you can’t see it with the naked eye and you don’t even know it’s there unless it is labeled, asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is 700 times smaller than a strand of human hair, according to Princeton University. The most common types are Chrysotile, which is white, and Amosite, which is brown or offwhite in color. Asbestos was often used in fireresistant materials for construction, textured paint, siding, sprayon fire proofing, brake linings, roofing shingles, putties, and floor tiles. It’s also typically found in old insulation, due to its high insulative properties. If left undisturbed, asbestos doesn’t pose a threat. It’s when the fibers are touched and handled that the fibers are released and can be ingested. When trapped in the mucous membranes, those fibers can move to the lungs where they can develop into cancer. The most common form of cancer from asbestos is mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the chest and the abdominal cavity lining, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It can take decades for these cancers to be diagnosed. Those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are entitled to compensation under the law for their pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. In fact, you may be eligible to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial for further research into this debilitating disease.
Be Aware When Traveling
Sure, that old inn you’re staying at with the family is charming. However, it’s also old and could contain asbestos that is harmful to your kids and pets. While you know enough not to eat chipped textured paint, poke at old insulation, and steer clear of crumbling drywall, your kids may not. It’s easy for them to get curious and touch things they shouldn’t, especially when on vacation at an exciting old rental home. Even as an adult on a business trip, you should be aware of the threats of asbestos lurking in your hotel room or on an old job site, for instance. Perhaps you have to inspect a demolition site of an old historic building. You don’t know if asbestos is present and could be in the air. Wearing the proper safety gear, such as gloves and masks, could help guard against exposure. Take precautions when around substances like vinyl floor tiles, cement wallboard, decorative plaster, boiler insulation, caulking, spackling, cement siding, fire blankets, elevator equipment panels, and thermal paper products—all of which could contain asbestos, explains Asbestos.net. If you suspect asbestos is present where you’re staying or on a job site for work, report it to the proper authorities. It’s crucial that you don’t handle the substance. Instead, an asbestos remediation team, skilled in removal of this dangerous material, should be hired to handle the task.
This article was contributed on behalf of Shrader and Associates LLP, your number one choice when seeking representation for cases involving asbestos and mesothelioma while providing support for veterans. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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