January 22nd, 2008

A new pack of adventure seekers are springing up in urban areas, dubbing themselves “Urban Explorers.” The groups go to vacant buildings to take pictures and glean artistic inspiration, but can face the danger of asbestos exposure.

People living in large cities may not be able to go exploring much. But a new group of explorers decided to change that situation by utilizing the old, decrepit buildings within their own cities. The band of people, called “Urban Explorers,” often commit illegal acts to access these buildings, running the risk of being arrested for trespassing. While the members are willing to face this danger, the danger of a life long disease is also present; mesothelioma.

Many of the old buildings explored and photographed by Urban Explorers contain exposed asbestos, which can be hazardous and even deadly. Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to emphysema and a deadly type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. While a small number of the explorers take this risk into consideration (using respirators when exploring and disposing of the clothing worn in the buildings), the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases is very real. The Explorers say the danger is part of the attraction to the trips, and are willing to take the bad with the good.