Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium a tissue that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. It is aggressive and difficult to treat. The three types of mesothelioma – pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial – which affect respectively the lungs, abdomen and heart are all caused by asbestos. Asbestos was used in an enormous number of building materials including roofing, floor tiles, vinyl, joint compounds, and insulation. It is, therefore, very common to find asbestos containing materials present in many older buildings and homes.
Most home owners are unaware of the presence or dangers of asbestos. In fact, asbestos can be released into the air when materials containing the harmful mineral, such as walls or pipes are broken, sanded, drilled, or manipulated in any way. The World Health Organization estimates that each year 107,000 people die from asbestos related mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis as a result of asbestos exposure and the numbers are growing.
To help prevent mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, Datatecnics, a technology company based in Birmingham, England has recently launched the world’s first asbestos disturbance automated alert system (ADAAS). Up until now, the only protection from asbestos contamination was total removal of the source, which is often quite costly and time consuming. ADAAS provides a safe, temporary alternative. ADAAS is a wall covering made of a special polymer film that features embedded sensors. The wall covering, which is essentially an asbestos-sensing film, can be applied to walls and other materials known to contain asbestos. The covering contains a fine web of micro-conductors which can detect any physical asbestos “breaches”. A central control panel gives off a warning to alert the presence of toxic fibers. The alert can be programmed to be an audible alarm, SMS message, email, automated telephone system or a combination of all four options. The ADAAS is gaining widespread popularity and many are comparing its preventative ability to a fire or carbon monoxide detector.
Mohammed Zulfiquar, chief executive of Datatecnics, says: “There is a clear market for ADAAS – such as public sector buildings, domestic housing and commercial property. It is estimated that 70% of UK schools contain asbestos – which was the main reason why we developed ADAAS. The technology can also be used for non-asbestos markets, such as nuclear infrastructures, gas and oil pipes, security systems and metal fatigue in aviation.”
For more information about mesothelioma and this asbestos-sensing film visit the Surviving Mesothelioma website.