Acting U.S. Surgeon General Issues Statement about the Hazards of Asbestos Exposure

Earlier this month, Dr. Boris Lushniak, the Acting U.S. Surgeon General, issued a statement about National Asbestos Awareness Week and the public health issues associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. Dr. Lushniak’s statement reads:
 
"Asbestos is a commercial name for a collection of six highly durable fibrous minerals used for decades in thousands of commercial products, such as insulation and fireproofing materials, automotive brakes and textile products, cement and wallboard materials. Scientists have long understood that asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other lung diseases when the fibers are inhaled. Because of concerns about health effects, exposures to asbestos and certain uses of asbestos have been regulated in the U.S. for over 30 years.
 
In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance an individual has of developing harmful health effects. Asbestos fibers may be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled and contaminate the surrounding area during demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling.
 
For workers or homeowners, avoiding activities involving the disturbance of materials or products containing asbestos is the surest means of avoiding asbestos exposure. However, if you need to undertake such activities, there is guidance available to help you protect yourself and others. While most individuals exposed to asbestos, whether in the home or workplace will not develop disease – there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure and precautions should be taken to protect your health. Apparent symptoms and disease may take many years to develop following exposure, and asbestos-related conditions can be difficult to identify.”
 
“It’s important for the public to see the Surgeon General’s comments, especially the fact that there is really no known safe level of asbestos exposure,” said Ed Cahill, Vice President, Asbestos Division at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For over three decades, EMSL has been providing testing services to help identify materials and environmental samples that contain asbestos.  These vital services help to prevent exposure to this hazardous material for workers and the general public.”

To learn more about EMSL’s asbestos services, please visit www.AsbestosTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulatory agencies. 

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