Paintball Poses Mesothelioma Threat
Article Added April 8th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
Paintball has become a favorite sport of young and old alike, despite the possibility of bruises and broken bones. But the new threat to those playing is more dangerous; mesothelioma, lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is normally associated with those that worked in factories or mines, people who were repeatedly exposed to disrupted asbestos fibers. The cancer of the lung lining has long been linked to insulation and piping. But a new source of asbestos, and mesothelioma, has come to light; paintball. A popular sport that uses air guns and paint to give the feeling of a war game, paintball companies often purchase old buildings and warehouses for the sport to take place in. The buildings sometimes contain asbestos, which can be disturbed by the high impact air guns used by players.
The paintball players may be exposed to asbestos when they play in the abandoned buildings. Most of the buildings purchased by paintball companies are those that would cost too much to bring up to code, including removing asbestos. The buildings are bought, and no renovations are made before people are allowed in to play. While the risk of exposure is real, some owners are saying that the concern is all lawyer hype. Old buildings may be outfitted with drywall, which would reduce the risk of exposure due to the high impact paintballs. But health officials warn that the risk is there, and that players should pick and chose which buildings they use.
Article Added April 8th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
- David Greenstone, Founding Partner
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