Cities Unite Against Asbestos for Mesothelioma: Fighting for a Safer Future

Asbestos is a lethal substance that has claimed the lives of numerous individuals worldwide. It is a known carcinogen and is responsible for causing mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects more than 3,000 individuals in the United States annually. Despite being banned in many countries, asbestos is still legal in the US and can be found in various products.

The cities have had enough and are taking action. Their concern is the health and safety of their constituents, and they are taking a proactive approach to prevent more asbestos-related deaths in their communities. This article will discuss the efforts of cities across the US, fighting against asbestos and working towards a safer future for all.

What is Mesothelioma, and How Does Asbestos Cause It?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, deadly cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It has no known cure, and its symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, and when they are inhaled or ingested, they can embed themselves in the tissue of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. These fibers can cause mutations in cells that can eventually lead to cancer.

How Does Asbestos Affect People?

Asbestos exposure can lead to various health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. It is a silent killer, and most people do not even realize that they have been exposed to it until they develop symptoms years later. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a terminal illness, and asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of more than 12,000 Americans annually.

The Efforts of Cities Against Asbestos

Seattle, Washington

Seattle has been at the forefront of the fight against asbestos for years. In 2015, the city enacted an ordinance that required landlords to disclose the presence of asbestos in their buildings to potential tenants. The city also requires asbestos abatement before any demolition or renovation activities take place in buildings constructed before 1980.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco has also taken a proactive stance against asbestos. In 2016, the city passed an ordinance that requires contractors to obtain a permit before demolishing any structure built before 1978. The permit requires an asbestos survey and clearance before demolition can proceed. The city has also implemented a program that provides free asbestos testing and removal for low-income residents.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has been working towards eradicating asbestos from its schools for years. The city has an ongoing effort to remove asbestos from school buildings and has allocated millions of dollars towards the project. In 2018, the city also passed an ordinance that requires landlords to disclose the presence of asbestos in their buildings to tenants.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has recently enacted an ordinance that requires asbestos inspections for buildings being sold or renovated. The city has also implemented a program that provides free asbestos inspections and abatement for low-income residents. Additionally, the city has created a task force to investigate the presence of asbestos in public buildings such as schools and libraries.

The Importance of Asbestos Awareness

What Can We Do to Raise Awareness?

One of the most significant challenges in fighting against asbestos is raising awareness of its dangers. Many people do not realize that they may have been exposed to asbestos or the health risks associated with it. There are several ways to raise awareness of this issue, including:

• Organizing community events and rallies that focus on educating people about the risks of asbestos exposure
• Working with schools to educate students about the dangers of asbestos and safe practices when working with asbestos-containing materials
• Partnering with local media outlets to create public service announcements and news segments that focus on the dangers of asbestos and the efforts being made to eradicate it

FAQs

What Is the Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, causing inflammation that can eventually lead to cancer.

Is Asbestos Still Being Used in the US?

Asbestos is still legal in the US, and it can be found in various products, including automotive brake pads, insulation, and roofing materials. However, many countries around the world have banned asbestos due to its health risks.

How Can Asbestos Exposure Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent asbestos exposure is to avoid working with or around asbestos-containing materials. If you must work with asbestos, ensure that you wear proper protective equipment, and follow safe work practices. Additionally, if you are renovating or demolishing a building, ensure that an asbestos survey is completed before beginning any work.

Conclusion: Taking Action Against Asbestos

The cities that have rallied against asbestos are setting an example for others to follow. They have taken proactive approaches to prevent further asbestos-related illnesses and deaths. But the fight is not over. It is essential to continue raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and advocating for its complete eradication. By working together, we can create a safer future for everyone.

Join the fight against asbestos today. Contact your local government officials and urge them to take action to protect their constituents from this deadly substance.

Closing Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, please contact a medical professional immediately. Additionally, please consult with a legal professional before taking any legal action related to asbestos exposure.

City	Efforts Against Asbestos
Seattle, Washington	Enacted an ordinance that required landlords to disclose the presence of asbestos in their buildings to potential tenants. Requires asbestos abatement before any demolition or renovation activities take place in buildings constructed before 1980.
San Francisco, California	Passed an ordinance that requires contractors to obtain a permit before demolishing any structure built before 1978. Implemented a program that provides free asbestos testing and removal for low-income residents.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	An ongoing effort to remove asbestos from school buildings and an ordinance that requires landlords to disclose the presence of asbestos in their buildings to tenants.
Chicago, Illinois	Enacted an ordinance that requires asbestos inspections for buildings being sold or renovated. Implemented a program that provides free asbestos inspections and abatement for low-income residents. Created a task force to investigate the presence of asbestos in public buildings such as schools and libraries.