subject: Several Resources Available For Mesothelioma And Asbestos Exposure Workers [print this page] Several jobs over the years have included handling or being exposed to asbestos or substances containing the harmful chemical. Often, these positions are in production and manufacturing of building materials such as roofing tiles or insulation. Many workers exposed to these toxic chemicals are often at a loss for finding elevant and substantial information regarding treatment options, legal recourse, or proactive lifestyle changes if they develop one of the many conditions associated with asbestos exposure. Some individuals may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of finding official and scholarly advice on these conditions, but there are several options.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website offers an extensive base of knowledge among a wide assortment of topics. Environmental topics such as water quality and food safety are present among other hazards like asbestos in construction, the home, or the workplace. The site presents an exceptionally wide survey of asbestos and exposure to the toxic chemical, going in depth into the minutia of asbestos facts and figures. Also present on the site is a detailed examination of products and chemicals containing asbestos, health effects of short term and prolonged exposure, naturally occurring asbestos, and tips for asbestos abatement professionals. This provides one of the most complete resources available free of charge on the Internet.
The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) also offers several resources regarding asbestos exposure and toxicity. The primary focus of the OSHA page is information regarding asbestos exposure on job sites, buildings potentially containing asbestos, and several strategies for combating asbestos exposure. OSHA also is responsible for oversight of projects involving asbestos abatement and regulations regarding proper standards of removal and safety for workers on job sites. Both the OSHA and EPA websites provide guidelines for properly identifying, handling, and removing asbestos, as well as safety advice for those working in conditions with the potential for asbestos exposure. Additionally, the site provides several links to separate pages covering topics such as asbestos exposure evaluation, asbestos safety training, and safety systems implemented to protect workers.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) provides yet another valuable resource for those seeking additional information outside of these sites. The CPSC website has an incredible backlog of records and reports covering almost every topic related to consumers in the United States; from recalled toys for children to unsafe house paint. The CPSC also contains information about products containing asbestos, contaminated vermiculite, and locations where asbestos may be present. The documents also contain lists of investigations of manufacturers and producers of products containing asbestos.
Asbestos exposure is highly hazardous and presents dangers to the individual that they would not normally experience. Severe and potentially deadly medical conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma can result from even a small amount of exposure. Oftentimes, those exposed to asbestos incur costly medical bills and pursue an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit to receive compensation.