Every year, millions of lives are changed as a result of a cancer diagnosis. While some are more common than others, each form of cancer deserves the same amount of recognition and research. Mesothelioma is one cancer in particular that, due to scale, isn’t always discussed. However, for the last 16 years, we’ve set aside one day a year where community members, families and patients who’ve been touched by this rare disease can have their voices be heard, and that’s September 26th.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day was founded by the nonprofit organization, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) in 2004, in hopes to improve treatment options, provide families with support, and increase funding for research. Since mesothelioma is entirely preventable, making yourself aware of potential asbestos exposure could help to keep you healthy in the long run.
Akron Ohio:
Due to its location near the Erie Canal, the city of Akron Ohio has a long standing history within the industry of rubber and tire manufacturing. In fact, it’s known nickname is the “Rubber Capital of the World.” With many people holding occupations in the manufacturing space, there is an elevated risk for asbestos exposure for anyone who’s worked in these types of jobs. Check out this list to see all job sites located in Akron Ohio with a known presence of asbestos. If you or someone you know has had any level of exposure, they could be at risk for serious illnesses including the fatal cancer, mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has the ability to develop in the lining of the heart, stomach, and lung region. The progression of mesothelioma can take a minimum of 10 years to upwards of 50 years, as tiny asbestos fibers attach to the body’s tissue and slowly grow malignant tumors.
In Your Home:
A home that predates the 1980s might have been constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Before it was discovered that asbestos was a carcinogen, it was more so thought of as a miracle mineral, due to its ability to resist heat, chemicals, and electricity. When considering renovations, it’s important to understand any dangers that could present themselves throughout the processes. Time and time again homeowners are unaware of the hidden dangers lurking in the walls, floors, paint and more, which can end up creating a hazardous environment for all in proximity. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, which is why when planning any type of major project in your home, it’s a great idea to have the areas inspected. Hiring a trained professional will aid in finding anything from something as disguised as asbestos to as obvious as mold.
In Your Schools and Offices:
Teachers, staff and children potentially face risk of asbestos every day when attending school. As of 2015, nearly 1/3 of schools throughout the United States were believed to contain asbestos. Close to half of the elementary and highschools still run today were constructed between 1950 and 1969- a time were asbestos was heavily involved in construction. Common products known to host asbestos in schools and other commercial buildings are ceiling tiles, duct insulation, boilers, furnaces, and more.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day:
Mesothelioma is preventable; however, the only way to understand the dangers is through proper education and awareness. Taking the initiative to find out when your home, office, and community schools were constructed is a great way to understand the toxicants you might be exposed too. This September 26th, Mesothelioma Awareness Day will be recognized everywhere. To show your support, wear blue and check out Curemeso.org for more information. Together, we strive to live in a world where asbestos is completely banned and this cancer will cease to e
