Avoid Disturbing Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos When Retrieving Holiday Decorations
The holiday season is now upon us and many people head to their attics and basements to retrieve their holiday decorations that have been stored away for the year. Retrieving them often involves moving boxes, climbing in and out of crawl spaces and then dragging the treasures through the house. It is important to remember that in older homes, the basement and attic are the top places where asbestos-containing insulation was used, and disturbing the insulation can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. Asbestos is a carcinogen and is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Although most at-risk for developing mesothelioma are trade workers such as insulators, plumbers and pipefitters, electricians, sheet metal workers, auto mechanics, refinery and factory workers, construction workers and shipyard workers, anytime asbestos is inhaled a person runs the risk of becoming ill from the mineral. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos was widely used in many products and building materials in the home during much of the 20th century. Many asbestos-containing materials remain in houses and buildings today. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates 33 million houses and businesses in the United States contain vermiculite insulation tainted with asbestos.
The EPA has found that houses built between 1930 and 1950, and even later, may have attic, basement and wall insulation. Much of the insulation was sold as Zonolite®, a do-it-yourself product poured into the attic to enhance insulation in older homes. Vermiculite insulation resembles grey-brown or silver-gold pebbles.
If you believe your holiday decorations are stored in an area where asbestos-containing products were used, take extra caution to limit disturbance of the materials.
The EPA recommends:
- Limiting the number of trips in and out of the area.
- Keeping children out of the area.
- Placing the boxes on a moistened towel, and wiping down the items with a wet towel or sponge, to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne. Don’t track the dust through the house.
- Cleaning the area with wet cloths only – do not sweep or vacuum as this will stir up the fibers.
You should not store boxes or other items in your attic next year if retrieving the material will disturb the insulation.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest or abdomen that is highly aggressive and is resistant to many cancer treatments. There are treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for managing the symptoms. Nearly 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year.
