Preventing Asbestosis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The surefire way to prevent asbestosis is to limit your exposure to the naturally occurring mineral that causes this lung disease. Ideally, it's best to do away with asbestos completely in your home or workplace by using a professional who specializes in asbestos abatement. If there is no way around working with this substance, as it's part of your job, there are things you can do to limit your exposure.

Condition

Asbestosis is an inflammation of the lungs that leads to scarring and eventually breathing difficulties and a tightening of the chest, according to the Mayo Clinic. The warning signs include chest pain, shallow breathing that worsens gradually with time and coughing, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports.

Cause

Asbestosis, as its name implies, is completely tied to asbestos---the mineral that has been used as far back as Roman times as a good insulator. This condition is caused when people inhale asbestos particles, which later irritate and permanently scar the lungs. There is no cure for asbestosis, so the NIH reports that early detection, through a chest x-ray, is crucial.

Homeowner Issues

In both Canada and the United States, most products containing asbestos have been banned; however, there are still remnants of asbestos used in everything from shingles and tiles to siding and plaster in older buildings. The Canadian Lung Association (CLA) urges homeowners who are doing renovations on homes built before the 1970s to watch out for asbestos in building insulation, textured paint and other home materials. If it isn't broken, don't move it---as you may release particles into the air.

Abatement Companies

If you stumble upon something that is damaged in your older home, don't try to go at it alone. If you try to remove it yourself, again, you may inhale the asbestos particles. Instead, call a company that is licensed to remove asbestos, according to the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center (MAAC). You can find these companies in a phone book or online under the category of "asbestos abatement."

Workplace Issues

When legislation started to come into play to ban asbestos in the 1970s and 1980s, it didn't ban the mineral across the board. There are still some professions that work with asbestos. Those employees that are most at risk work in the shipbuilding, pipefitting, welding, automotive, railroad, electrical and mining industries, according to MAAC. The CLA says that if you work in these industries it's important to wear your protective gear at all times, and to always follow safety policies.

Caveats

Employers are required by law to protect their workers from asbestos, which poses a work-related health danger. If you believe that your employer isn't protecting you or your colleagues as it should, contact your respective occupational health agency, the CLA says.