Can Mesothelioma Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent mesotheliomas is by preventing or limiting your exposure to asbestos in
homes, in public buildings, and at work. People who may be exposed to asbestos at work include
miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask
manufacturers, and construction workers, particularly those involved with insulation. If there is a
possibility of on-the-job exposure, say, in renovation of old buildings, then you should use all
protective equipment, work practices, and safety procedures designed for working around
asbestos. If you live in an older home, there may be asbestos-containing insulation or other
materials. A knowledgeable expert can check your home to determine if there is any asbestos and
if it poses any risk of exposure. This may involve testing the air for asbestos levels. You may
then decide to have the asbestos removed from your home. You should hire a qualified
contractor to perform this job, to avoid contaminating your home further or causing any exposure
to the workers. You should not attempt do remove asbestos-containing material yourself