How to Protect Your Children from Asbestos Exposure

Children generally have a faster breathing rate than adults. That is why common irritants such as second-hand smoke and other air pollutants like asbestos are much more harmful to their still-developing lungs.

Asbestos remains one of the substances that have caused multitudes of deaths worldwide. Those who may suffer from asbestos exposure are children who are not fully aware of the risks and are not knowledgeable enough to provide the necessary protection for themselves. This is because they have a tendency to pick up anything like sand, pebbles, rocks, and other small objects to play with. They may slide, skip, or jump on any surface or transform sheds into clubhouses, unaware of the risks that they may encounter in the community or even their own backyard.

Houses built before the 1980s generally contain asbestos, especially in the roofing and walls. This is due to the presence of asbestos fibers and asbestos sheeting in the construction materials used. When asbestos sheets wear out over time, the cement holding the asbestos fibers may also disintegrate. Because of this, there is a toxic blend of asbestos fibers and cement dust being carried along with the air into the surroundings. Children may breathe in dust from the environment and this can eventually result in the occurrence of asthma and mesothelioma, a form of cancer in the lungs.

Protecting Your Child From Asbestos Exposure

Parents like you need to be cautious, vigilant, and knowledgeable when it comes to protecting kids from the dreadful effects of the environment. Know that it is safe for people to work and live in newer structures, given that the asbestos-containing materials are well-maintained and in excellent condition.

As a parent, it is highly advised to inform your children regarding the damage that asbestos materials may cause. This is because microscopic asbestos fibers caused by human, fire, or water inventions are released in the air that we all breathe.

Check with your child's school administration if there are existing construction materials that contain asbestos. You also need to ask them what approaches have been made to protect the children against asbestos exposure in the school and the surrounding community.

The art materials, toys, or anything you buy for your children should also be checked. Some art materials like crayons may contain asbestos. Practice proactiveness in the community through open discussion with neighbors and friends on what needs to be done in order to protect children from asbestos exposure and further damage to health.

Ask around to see if you know someone who can eliminate asbestos from older homes in order to find a legitimate asbestos reduction company should you need it.

What Children Should Avoid

In order to avoid too much exposure to asbestos, you should not let your children play around abandoned sheds or houses. In addition, they should not be allowed to play in building areas or sites where there are demolished homes. 

They should be advised not to pick up, sit, or climb over any broken piece of asbestos fiber sheets that could be lying all over the place. Children should not also be allowed to drink from old water fountains. This is because pipes may possess asbestos seeping into the water flowing from it.

It is essential to protect our children against asbestos exposure and its debilitating effects such as mesothelioma and other lung-related ailments. Reputable firms such as Bergman Legal can provide valuable information about asbestos exposure, providing pertinent information regarding the proper handling of asbestos products, the source of asbestos, and common areas where it is found. The sooner that children are educated regarding the dangers of asbestos exposure, the better.