NATIONAL REPORT—Hotels cannot escape the fact that asbestos was widely used in construction materials throughout much of the twentieth century. In fact, any hotel built or remodeled before or in the 1980s is likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. The use of asbestos was so widespread that the large majority of materials used for constructing hotels contained the toxic substance. Contractors used asbestos because it was lightweight, durable, an excellent insulator, and provided effective fireproofing. Some common materials that may contain asbestos and have the potential to release toxic fibers include floor tiles, textured paints, walls, ceilings, insulation, and roofing products.
As long as asbestos-containing materials remain intact and are not disturbed, they do not pose a health risk. However, in cases where hotels are remodeling or undergoing construction, such materials do present a hazard and precautionary steps should be taken. Natural disasters can also create the occurrence of asbestos exposure if parts of the hotel containing asbestos have been damaged. In the event of these circumstances, hotels are instructed to follow strict environmental safety procedures concerning the abatement of asbestos.
Effects of Asbestos Exposure
During the remodel, construction, or repair of building materials in hotels, management not only has to worry about employees being exposed to asbestos, but guests as well. Exposure to asbestos occurs when asbestos fibers have been released into the air and are either inhaled or ingested into the body. Because of the chemical structure of these fibers, the body experiences great difficulty in breaking them down. As a result, the fibers typically attach themselves to the mesothelial linings of lungs, heart, and abdomen, which can lead to the development of mesothelioma cancer.
In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is known to cause several other forms of asbestos disease, all of which have a latency period ranging from 15 to 50 years. These diseases include asbestosis, lung cancer, colon cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. And because of the latency period with these diseases, most cases are diagnosed when they are already in the advanced stages of development, leaving mesothelioma treatment options and the like quite limited.
Even high-end hotels, such as the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, have a history of asbestos problems. Back in 2006, the public became aware of a potential asbestos threat from asbestos tag piping in the property. Other hotels throughout the country have faced asbestos contamination problems and some have even been fined for improper asbestos removal.
For more information on asbestos and how to prevent exposure, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. Also be sure to visit this site.
Hi Glenn, Nice information, I am from India, according to me, many people don’t about asbestos and mesothelioma cancer in my country. So this article is very good and informative. It will help to create awareness and to be alert from such toxic substance. Keep it up. I have related content about mesothelioma treatment. Have a look if possible.