National Asbestos Awareness Week Reminds Public of Exposure Hazards
A recent U.S. Senate resolution also urged the surgeon general of the United States to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure.
The U.S. Senate designated the first week of April 2015 as National Asbestos Awareness Week in a resolution that also urged the surgeon general of the United States to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health. National Asbestos Awareness Week is intended to raise awareness of asbestos and prevent asbestos-related disease, and it involves collaboration of organizations and leading experts.
Although the use of asbestos is banned in some products due to regulations such as TSCA, the Clean Air Act, and the Consumer Product Safety Act, many older residential and commercial properties still contain asbestos-containing materials used decades ago. As these materials age, they can become friable and pose a health risk to building occupants when disturbed.
Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These conditions may not develop until years after exposure.