Historic Las Vegas is filled with some of the most recognizable attractions in the world. But many of these were built at a time when the knowledge of asbestos simply wasn’t there. Unfortunately, the journey towards rectifying the mistakes of the past has been slow.
So, what do you need to know about asbestos exposure in and around Las Vegas, and should you be worried?
Are Mesothelioma Deaths Higher in Las Vegas?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has researched the number of mesothelioma deaths by state. Nevada is ranked 36th for both deaths and incidence rates, so there’s no reason to panic. The lack of heavy industry means that asbestos doesn’t have the same level of concentration in Nevada as it does in other states.
It’s also important to remember that people like Paul Kraus, who is the longest mesothelioma survivor ever, have accrued a lot if information when it comes to treating the deadly cancer.
His proactive approach has inspires others to also increase their lifespans with mesothelioma, thus contributing to a better quality of life for those sufferers and slowing or helping avoid death.
There are two points to consider when it comes to asbestos exposure in Las Vegas.
The first problem is in older buildings. Many of the casinos were built over fifty years ago, and so many of them contained asbestos because of their ability to resist fire. However, several casinos have experienced asbestos outbreaks throughout their histories.
One of the most notorious incidents involved The Flamingo, where the remodeling of 2007 led to many workers becoming exposed to asbestos. Investigations and lawsuits are continuing.
Another issue that has only recently been discovered is naturally occurring asbestos in the rocks around nearby Boulder City.
Boulder City is located less than an hour from Las Vegas and scientists have found naturally growing asbestos in the rocks there. Nevada has no history of asbestos mining, but with Boulder City being such a big residential area it could mean danger later.
Should You Be Worried?
The future is still bright for workers and visitors in Las Vegas because now people are aware of the damage caused by asbestos and mesothelioma.
People like Paul Kraus have done a lot to raise awareness of the disease. And the expected upsurge in mesothelioma cases, because of the long latency period of this type of cancer, will bring even more awareness of the dangers of asbestos.
Many casinos and the owners of older buildings in Las Vegas have made changes. They take the correct precautions when renovating close to materials that could contain asbestos.
Last Word – A Looming Problem
Asbestos is not a serious problem in Las Vegas, but renovations must be handled with care by both individuals and businesses. When the correct precautions are taken, asbestos doesn’t need to be something to fear, especially if it’s still contained within a material.
But know that asbestos doesn’t need to be an automatic death sentence. Through inspirational figures like Paul Kraus, you can fight and contain the disease for years.
Do you live close to materials containing asbestos?
