It's a common misconception that asbestos is a problem of the past. However, it's more likely to be present in homes than people think. As humans have adapted and mastered the use of Earth's resources, they have developed new technologies and lifestyles. Cities like Atlanta have grown drastically, with an increase in population and urbanization, which requires continuous construction to accommodate the booming city. However, construction sites pose potential hazards, including exposure to raw materials and chemicals that are harmful to human health. Asbestos (Mg3Si2O5 (OH4)), a naturally occurring substance that can be found in homes, is one of the most critical threats in the state of Georgia. With the growing number of homes being bought and remodeled, there is a higher risk of exposure to asbestos, which could lead to a surge of asbestos-related cases in the future.

Asbestos is a slim fiber that is flaxy and slender and ranges in color from white to grayish green. It is odorless and used in products such as bricks for furnaces, cement, and car brakes. Although possible exposure to asbestos occurs mostly in the construction industry during building renovations, repairs, and demolition, it can also be found in contaminated talc powders used in baby powder and children's makeup. This form of exposure to asbestos can lead to early exposure, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases for younger individuals.

Moreover, natural asbestos can be found in Georgia, with hot spots concentrated in the central and northern regions, as indicated in a hot-spot map presented in Figure 2. It's crucial to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure, particularly for people in construction and those who own older homes or buildings. Therefore, taking precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure is of utmost importance to maintain public health and safety.

The purpose of this research is to raise awareness among homeowners, both old and new, regarding the importance of maintaining and renovating their homes. It is also intended for those who panic buy due to market imbalances when purchasing homes. They should be aware of when the home was built before proceeding further with any developments. If the plan is to flip the house, then experts should be consulted to ensure safety measures are taken in dealing with potentially hazardous materials such as asbestos.

For many adults, purchasing a home means starting a family or relocating to accommodate their growing family. Unfortunately, the housing supply in Atlanta has been limited since January 2021, leading contractors to demolish old buildings and construct new ones rapidly. This construction boom has increased jobs and material costs, but it has also revealed that asbestos is commonly found in homes constructed before the 1970s.

Exposure to chrysotile, the most common type of asbestos, can lead to respiratory issues. Asbestos is usually inhaled or ingested, with a higher chance of exposure in enclosed indoor environments like homes. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis – a chronic lung condition that does not become apparent until long after exposure.

Asbestos poses a significant risk to those working in the construction industry, mechanics, and railroad workers. It can also pose a risk to remodelers who remove insulation from older homes and buildings. They can bring home the dust and particles, contaminating their homes and exposing their families.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the stomach and chest. Originally thought to be nonexistent, it became increasingly common after World War II. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring of tissue. If the fibers reach the pleura, they can cause pleural effusions – the build-up of fluid around the lungs – making it harder to breathe. Asbestos can also interfere with DNA in cells, leading to cancerous development. If ingested, asbestos can interfere with the stomach lining.

A study conducted by the Western Australian Mesothelioma Register between 1960 and 2008 focused on determining if home maintenance and renovation trends increase the incidence of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Participants included asbestos workers, home renovators, and people without known exposure to asbestos. The results revealed that 1631 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma, with 55 men diagnosed after exposure during home maintenance. Home renovators accounted for 8.4% of all men and 35.7% of all women diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last four years of the study. This highlights that many homes still contain building products enforced with asbestos, indicating that this problem will likely increase.

After reading a study from WA, concerns have arisen that there may be a surge of cases related to asbestos exposure in Georgia in the future due to homeowners renovating their homes during lockdown without appropriate precautions. The professionals working on these renovations need to wear hazmat suits and take appropriate measures to handle hazardous waste. If proper measures are not followed, not only the workers but also the families living in the homes may inhale these dangerous particles, leading to serious respiratory illnesses.

Asbestos is banned in some countries, but not entirely in the United States. Although the substance is no longer mined in the US and its use has decreased significantly over the years due to EPA regulations, it is still legally imported. Agencies such as the CCA and Toxic Substance Control Act have taken steps to regulate asbestos since the 70s, but these efforts were countered due to the fear of industrial productivity declining. Asbestos-containing material is still permitted through US borders, leaving citizens vulnerable to exposure.

In Georgia, the Environmental Protection Division has put asbestos rules in place to ensure the safety of both citizens and the environment. There are rules and requirements in place for air quality control, asbestos removal and encapsulation, and waste management. There are also substitutes for asbestos that are suitable for use in products such as plastics, industrial-strength glue, and window putty, including steel, glass, carbon, ceramic and cellulose fibers.

Despite these regulations and procedures, cases linked to prolonged asbestos exposure will continue to be recorded, especially in relation to home maintenance and renovation. Many homes built before the 1980s still stand and may be harboring asbestos. With the leniency of US regulations on asbestos-containing materials, it is not guaranteed that incidents of asbestos exposure will decrease.

References

Simmons, D.L. (2016). Asbestos : Risk Assessment, Health Implications, and Impacts on the Environment. Nova Science Publishers.

Airoldi, C. et al. (2021). Environmental Asbestos Exposure and Clustering of Malignant Mesothelioma in Community: A Spatial Analysis in a Population-Based Case-Control Study. Environmental Health, 20(1), 103.

Frank, A.L. (2020). Global Use of Asbestos - Legitimate and Illegitimate Issues. Journal of Occupational Medicine & Toxicology, 15(1), 1-6.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information has published information on the composition of Chrysotile in PubChem, detailing the characteristics of this compound that make it particularly hazardous. Researchers have found a link between Chrysotile exposure and malignant mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer. According to the 11th Report on Carcinogens from the NTP, Chrysotile is a known carcinogen. The US EPA has taken action to protect the public from exposure to asbestos and provides information on the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Despite the known dangers of asbestos, it has not been banned in the United States, as reported by the EWG Action Fund's Asbestos Nation project. Home maintenance and renovation activities have contributed to an increase in the incidence of mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has set rules governing asbestos and details its regulations on its website. Asbestos-containing products can still be found in many common household items. The American Society of Clinical Oncology provides information on risk factors associated with mesothelioma. Demographic changes occurring in Georgia are also noteworthy. Chrysotile asbestos is coming under close scrutiny and may soon be eliminated as an industry standard according to Chemical & Engineering News. Lastly, maps and information on asbestos safety can be found on government websites such as the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and OSHA.