Studies show low risks for malignant mesothelioma (MM) in agricultural workers. However, a 2021 report from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health indicated asbestos exposure scenarios in the agricultural environment.
The information above highlights the need to determine asbestos exposure among individuals with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of respiratory cancer that usually arises from asbestos exposure.
Like other types of cancer, there are different mesothelioma stages, each causing various symptoms that can worsen as the tumor grows and spreads.
Meanwhile, how can asbestos exposure affect farmers’ risk of developing mesothelioma? What are some ways farmers and agricultural workers can manage mesothelioma?
This article discusses asbestos exposure in agriculture and how it can increase the risk of mesothelioma incidences among farmers. This article also suggests ways farmers can combat mesothelioma.
How Do Farmers Expose Themselves to Asbestos?
Farmers and other agricultural workers may experience asbestos exposure via farming tools, building materials, and their environment.
People used vermiculite for various products, including potting soils, fireproofing materials, and brake linings.
Asbestos can contaminate vermiculite sources because these minerals usually form side by side.
Like asbestos, vermiculite is a natural mineral with heat-resistant and insulating properties. But unlike asbestos, vermiculite, in its natural form, doesn’t endanger human health.
In 2000, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studied vermiculite-containing gardening products in the country. Out of the 38 vermiculite products examined, 17 of them contained asbestos.
Additionally, 15 of those asbestos-containing items were soil mix products. Farmers may use vermiculite in the following ways:
Animal feed
Seed germination
Fertilizer
Pesticides
Potting mix
Root cuttings
Seed encapsulation
Soil conditioner
Sowing composts
Asbestos in Soil
Farming is dusty because you’ll need to disturb the soil almost daily. This situation may endanger agricultural workers’ health.
If there is asbestos in the soil, this may increase the mesothelioma risk for farmers.
Asbestos in the ground may come from contaminants such as vermiculite.
Moreover, although asbestos is not widely present in the soil, some specific locations with higher quantities of the mineral can threaten farmers’ health.
For instance, scientists observed that the areas of southern Nevada have significant amounts of asbestos in the soil. These regions are near farms and can put workers at risk.
Experts also noted that the contaminated soil may have contributed to higher-than-average rates of mesothelioma cases in younger people and women in the region.
Another survey examining naturally occurring asbestos in California suggested an increased number of mesothelioma cases among nearby farmers.
Asbestos in Buildings and Farm Equipment
Farmers may also encounter asbestos in construction supplies and farm equipment.
These individuals can come across asbestos due to the following structures and materials:
Boilers
Cement board and pipe
Flooring materials
Electrical conduits
Fireproofing materials
Roofing materials
Insulation
Pipe covering
Many farms in the U.S. contain asbestos building materials.
People looking for reclaimed wood from barns and farms should know that these products can also contain asbestos. The wood may have paint or varnish containing asbestos insulation traces.
Moreover, many types of machinery and tools used asbestos in the past and even today.
Individuals used asbestos in tractors' brakes and clutches to prevent friction-induced overheating. Here are some examples of farming equipment that may contain asbestos:
Vehicle hood liners
Under sprays
Gaskets and seals
Insulating panels
Aside from farmers, workers who operate and repair farm equipment may be also exposed to asbestos.
This scenario can happen because asbestos fibers can release airborne particles when workers remove and swap out components.
When inhaled, these fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma.
How Farmers Can Combat Mesothelioma
Testing the soil for asbestos
Supplying personnel with protective equipment when working with asbestos
Providing workers with safety training for handling asbestos
Identifying the locations of any asbestos in farm buildings
Maintain security by routinely inspecting building materials for asbestos
Observing all state regulations for securing the removal or elimination of asbestos from structures.
On the other hand, if you were a farmer or worked on a farm and were subsequently diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for compensation.
A lawyer with experience in such cases can assist you in identifying the negligent party. Frequently they are the producer of asbestos-containing insulation or vermiculite.
It is crucial to realize that anyone who unintentionally exposes themselves to asbestos can file a compensation claim.
Also, note that you do not need to be a citizen or a permanent resident of the country to seek compensation for your disease.
You may seek help from a knowledgeable mesothelioma or asbestos attorney to explain your alternatives and guide you through the process.
References
1. Mesothelioma in Agriculture in Lombardy, Italy: An Unrecognized Risk
2. EPA Study Shows Minimal Risk To Consumers Who Use Vermiculite in Gardening
3. The Presence of Asbestos in the Natural Environment is Likely Related to Mesothelioma in Young Individuals and Women from Southern Nevada
4. Residential Proximity to Naturally Occurring Asbestos and Mesothelioma Risk in California
AgFuse © 2023 
Article Added
Updated Nov 9, 2022
Farmers and Mesothelioma: Exposure to Asbestos in Agriculture
Studies show low risks for malignant mesothelioma (MM) in agricultural workers. However, a 2021 report from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health indicated asbestos exposure scenarios in the agricultural environment. The...
Read more »
Categories: Soil Health, Farm Management
Modal title
Some individuals may not be listed above if they shared content without first signing in.