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In Ascension Parish, the Community Meeting on Asbestos Risk Forum was held at the Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales, Louisiana on Monday, August 22, at 6 p.m. The panel speakers were Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, Founder from California; and Travis London, Public Lab Air Monitor Project Lead, former plant safety personnel and former plant laborer from Louisiana. Both speakers lost a loved one to asbestos. A tour of chemical plants and various buildings of various job fields from Baton Rouge to New Orleans happened before the event. Information was shared with the attendees.

Approximately 40,000 Americans die from asbestos annually. Louisiana, Texas and Kansas are three states where asbestos is still being used. Nearly 150,000 People had signed a petition on change.org to ban asbestos now without any loopholes or exemptions. Heart-breaking asbestos commercial are shown a lot on tv, in newspapers, and on social media daily as many families across America are affected by a loved one being a victim of asbestos. Some unfortunate workers never find out their health problems. Asbestos is a threat to plant workers, teachers, law enforcement, children, etc.

When dealing with asbestos, you must understand:

1. Awareness-knowledge that disturbing and inhaling asbestos fibers can cause severe health concerns
2. Prevention-knowledge of workplace hazards, prevention methods, safety standards, review records of work-related injuries and illnesses, get copies of test results that find and measure hazards, knowledge of filing complaints asking OSHA to inspect workplace, knowledge of exercising rights under law without retaliation
3. Health Risk-Knowledge of asbestos causing Mesothelioma; cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary; cancers of the stomach, pharynx, and colorectum, other pleural disorders.
4. Early Signs-Persistent cough worsening, blood in sputum, pain and tightening in chest, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the neck or face, weight loss or loss of appetite, fatigue or anemia, and shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness

It’s important to understand what you breathe in at work or what you work around. Asbestos can travel on work clothes, various surfaces, etc. Build awareness and prevention. And know early signs and health risks. Save your life and your loved ones.

To learn more about asbestos, contact Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization @ AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.Org