Georgia
In the home state of Senator Johnny Isakson, one of the major supporters of the Ban Asbestos in America Act which seeks to end the production of all asbestos products by 2010, there are numerous natural deposits of asbestos. Asbestos can be found occurring naturally in the southern Appalachians, as well as on the borders of North and South Carolina. The homes, municipal structures, and job sites are subject to similar exposure risks as the rest of the United States, as it was used in the fireproofing, insulation, and even the floor tiles quite commonly before we became aware of the potential risks.
Power Generation Plants
In the power plants of Georgia asbestos was employed to insulate the steam pipes as well as to insulate electric wiring. Asbestos was a wonder product that insulated, retarded fire, and did not conduct electricity, which made it just the thing to keep the workers and structures safe when constructing a power generation plant. The problems that we did not foresee when installing all of these safety measures is that if this insulation was to be torn or frayed that it would send asbestos fibers into the air, which leaves it open to being inhaled by innocent workers, contaminating their lungs with a very dangerous carcinogen. Those that have been employed in the capacity of a worker or performed regular maintenance in any of these facilities may want to get themselves screened by a medical professional.
Pulp Mills
One of the major industries for exposure is the processing of pulp or paper mills. There are several pulp mills in Georgia where there has been reported asbestos exposure. These mills used asbestos for insulation and as a fire retardant, as so many other industries and homes had, however they also used "drying felts" in the production process, which contained asbestos, as well as adhesives that contained asbestos to hold them in place.
Construction has been the biggest exposure risk historically, as well as today. Over the past 200 years Georgia used asbestos the same way that the rest of the country did, to insulate their homes and businesses, as well as a fire retardant. It was in the insulation, the ceiling tiles, the wall boards, and even the floor tiles. Though this did present a risk to the persons that installed it, it presents an even larger risk to those that have torn these structures apart in the past. Those that have worked in construction and remodeling prior to discovery of the risk of such exposures are of particular concern. The tearing apart of asbestos laden materials send the fibers airborne, which creates a contamination of the work site and surrounding area. Those that have worked in the field of construction or demolition should definitely seek an evaluation by a health care professional, the resulting health problems can take years to develop.
Exposure to asbestos fibers puts the person that has inhaled or otherwise ingested the asbestos fibers at risk for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma will grow in the tissues surrounding your organs, such as your lungs, intestines and heart. It is a malignant cancer that is caused by inhaling asbestos, as the fibers are carcinogenic. Another risk is asbestosis, which is a condition that features reduced lung function, the progression of this condition can be stopped and treated, however, those that have had asbestosis are still at risk for mesothelioma. If you believe that you may have been exposed, you should report it to your primary care physician and keep close tabs on your health. Should you discover that you are suffering from an asbestos related condition, you should seek legal assistance immediately. With the help of a legal professional with experience in asbestos injuries you may be able to receive relief from the heavy weight of medical bills and get the care that you deserve.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
