Cancer News, Treatment and Research

In what is potentially brewing to be a health crisis on a significant level, officials in Christchurch, New Zealand are calling for ‘encasing’ damaged asbestos ceilings instead of removing. Over 4,000 homes damaged by an earthquake may have the crumbling asbestos ceilings sealed over by plaster. Many homeowners fear that public officials may not even inform the community which homes have had this procedure done, further compounding the issue. According to Alistair Humphrey , a Canterbury District Health Board medical official, sealing over the damaged asbestos ceiling with plaster will create a medical perfect storm. Humphrey is concerned over the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality ruling community leaders. Covering up the asbestos “disguises the fact that it is there,” potentially creating a health “landmine,” said Humphrey. Removing the damaged asbestos is the only surefire way to ensure that the public at large is protected against unintentional asbestos exposure which could lead to devastating diseases. Asbestos is a highly toxic and carcinogenic natural material heavily used in building and plumbing supply manufacturing. Until use of the material was banned, asbestos was an inexpensive alternative to other building material, prized for its durability, heat resistance and insulating properties. Exposure even to a small amount of friable or damaged asbestos can lead to severe medical conditions including breathing complications, internal damage and the development of cancer. Most severe of the health complications associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma , a rare form of cancer that affects the delicate lining of the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. When asbestos is damaged, small particles are released into the air making it easier to inhale. These small asbestos particles then travel through the lungs and embed into the pleura or the delicate lining that protects the lungs. Though damage to the pleura of the lungs is the most common effect of asbestos exposure , some asbestos particles can travel to the pleura of the heart or abdominal cavity. Humphrey is concerned that if the practice of sealing the damaged asbestos ceilings with plaster continues, it poses a significant health threat for future homeowners. “In the future, no one will know asbestos is there. It is covered over,” he said. Humphrey warned that a homeowner looking to renovate their house may accidentally uncover the hidden asbestos and expose themselves. Removing the asbestos is the only way to ensure safety. The Earthquake Commission , who is overseeing the project, defends the sealing practice, stating that only undamaged asbestos ceilings are sealed.