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Asbestos Myths

Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals that have been used by manufacturers and in construction for its strength, heat resistance, and resistance to electrical and chemical damage. Asbestos is commonly mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. In the past, asbestos was used extensively in drywall and in shingles. However, there is a strong link between asbestos exposure and the onset of a normally rare cancer known as mesothelioma. This fact has lead to a widespread fear of asbestos, which has lead to many myths.

  1. Asbestos Prevention Myths

    • Because of its harmful properties, many believe that the use of asbestos has been banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is false; asbestos has not been banned by the EPA. The EPA tried to ban it but the Bush administration did not attempt to support the ban. Another asbestos myth is that common respirator masks, such as the N-95, reduce the risk of contracting any health problems. This too is false; those masks at best are ineffective. Many people also believe that asbestos is no longer in use today. This too, is false, as some contractors still use asbestos in walls because of its fireproofing and insulating properties.

    Mesothelioma Myths

    • Because of its long latency period, mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Because of this, mesothelioma is believed to only affect the middle-aged or elderly. This is not true. In 2008, a 28-year-old Manchester woman named Leigh Carlisle became the youngest person ever to die of mesothelioma. This resulted from her childhood exposure to asbestos at a factory yard. Sophie Ellis, a 13-year-old, was diagnosed with mesothelioma walking through the same factory as Carlisle. Many other young peoples may have been exposed to asbestos and will be diagnosed with mesothelioma at a relatively young age.

    Spreading of Asbestos Myths

    • Many people believe that only those who work with asbestos are at risk for illnesses. This is not true. Coming in contact with asbestos is just as dangerous as directly handling it. Asbestos dust, which can remain airborne for long periods of time, can settle on clothing or be breathed in, which can also cause a variety of illnesses. Coming into contact with someone who has been contaminated with asbestos is also just as dangerous as handling the material, as flakes of asbestos can rub off and come in contact with others.

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