In part 1 of this post, we explained how the asbestos workers can inadvertently bring toxic to home fiber with and the effects it can have on their children and relatives. Although a number of conditions can be caused by exposure to asbestos secondary, the most studied is mesothelioma.
Almost always associated with exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the protective linings of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Many factors determine whether childhood exposure causes cancer, including the extent and duration of exposure and type of asbestos. In addition, researchers believe a person's age, gender, genetics, overall health and smoking history variables are significant as well.
mesothelioma in children and young adults
asbestos cancer in children and young adults is particularly rare, with diagnoses in the first two decades of the life is about 2 to 5 percent of all cases. Between 1999 and 02, only nine cases of pediatric mesothelioma were reported by the Surveillance Epidemiology United States and end results database (SEER). Some studies suggest that male children of asbestos workers are more likely than female children.
The researchers say that children's exposure to asbestos may increase the risk for mesothelioma, but the time between exposure to asbestos and the initial diagnosis, known as latency is often long. In a study describing five patients indirectly exposed to asbestos during childhood, the average latency period was 25.2 years and the mean age at diagnosis was 32 years. The majority of patients are older than 40 years at diagnosis. The prognosis for children is as poor as adults, with the exception of certain subtypes of the disease.
Researchers believe that children exposed at an early age may be more likely to develop the disease than people first exposed later in life. This theory is supported by the results of a French study in 2011 on the risk of mesothelioma. In the few studies that specifically address childhood asbestos exposure, there is no indication that children develop cancer more quickly than adults.
Many other studies offer insight on trends of childhood cancer, but many applications are available at no definitive explanation.
an Australian study showed a reduced risk of mesothelioma in children exposed to asbestos, which researchers believe can be explained by their having a more effective defense mechanism than adults. There was also evidence that children under 15 years old when first exposed experienced lower rates of death from mesothelioma.
Preventing Asbestos Exposure households
There are a number of ways to avoid exposure to asbestos, and it is equally important for workers asbestos to prevent secondary exposure to their children and loved ones. Although federal regulations limit the chances of that happening today, to take exposure to asbestos remains a dangerous possibility.
health workers and safety at work are required to disclose all hazardous substances workers may touch during labor. OSHA or OSHA-approved safety and public health programs may suggest one or more of the following steps employees should take to prevent exposure to asbestos household:
- Wash or shower before leaving work
- Change clothes before leaving work
- store street separated clothes work areas
- Avoid washing work and clothing the whole street
- wash clothes at work if possible
workers can take steps to prevent exposure in the home as well. Use mats and remove shoes before entering can help limit the amount of asbestos dust brought into the house. Clean the house tracking in dust or soil is also recommended.
The tools used to asbestos sites should be left to work or stored in a place where children and relatives can not come in contact with them. Because swallowing asbestos equally harmful than inhaling, encouraging family members to carefully wash hands and faces before meals can help reduce the risk of exposure.
