Definition of cause: a principle, aim, or movement that, because of a deep commitment, one is prepared to defend or advocate.
I was reminded today that this week is Asbestos Awareness Week (April 1-7). I was also asked if I would like to help spread awareness. In honor of this, I wanted to do a post for the cause. In reading up, I learned some very interesting and alarming facts about Asbestos.
Here are some facts about Asbestos from the website, Dying to be Heard Asbestos Awareness Week 2014.
- Even more than 30 years after the peak of its use, asbestos exposure is still the number one cause of occupational cancer in the US.
- Asbestos is still not banned in the US. Roughly 30 million pounds are still used each year.
- Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye.
- Asbestos can still be found in many homes, schools, and commercial or industrial buildings.
Asbestos: a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as brake linings. Asbestos has been mined and used widely in the construction, automotive, and other industries. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, the tiny fibers are released into the air. When they are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for many years. Over time these fibers can accumulate and lead to serious health problems such as Mesothelioma Cancer.
There is a webpage dedicated to raising awareness. For more information go to the website: Dying to be Heard Asbestos Awareness Week 2014.
Sources used: Dying to be Heard, WebMD & Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
Arl's World 
Asbestosis is a killer. We have had a major company in Australia shut down and sued in a class action by its employees. Sadly, it dragged on so long that many of those involved in the class action died before it came to an end. There are very strict building and renovation guidelines in place here about asbestos removal.
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Hello, It is good to know that action was taken in shutting down the plant and that compensation was sought. It is a shame that some did not see the outcome. Maybe their families were compensated somehow for their loss. So sad that people loose lives over stuff like that. Glad to know that there are strict codes in force now. Still I have to wonder, here …how many old buildings etc still have it, where people could be exposed. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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It took a long time but change did occur.
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Hi thanks for dropping by on my blog!
And I’ve heard of asbestos. But it’s always good to raise more awareness!
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Hello, your welcome. Yes, I was uninformed about several facts and now I am glad I know. Thanks for visiting!
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Scary stuff. I sure am thankful to have never been exposed (as far as I know!). Are there measures being taken to try to get asbestos banned in the US?
Stopping by from the A to Z 🙂
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Yes, it is scary. You know, at this point, I am not sure what measures are being taken. In the reading I have done I have not found mention of it. After reading what I have, that was one of my first questions. The subject has certainly got my attention. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
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Just awful. I would think someone is trying to regulate this somehow, even if we tend to push back against new regulation. Sounds like a must do.
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Yes, I must do indeed! I have not read enough to know what is being done. It definitely got my attention though. Thanks for stopping by and commenting
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