Saved By The Bell star, Dustin Diamond died from lung cancer he claimed to have gotten from hotel room mold or asbestos, is this a risk for other travelers?
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Dustin Diamond Dies of Cancer
In early February 2021, Dustin Diamond died of small cell lung cancer. The actor who was famous for his portrayal of Samuel “Screech” Powers opposite Tiffany Thiessen, Mario Lopez, and Elizabeth Berkley on the Saturday morning mainstay, Saved By The Bell succumbed to small cell carcinoma, a type of lung cancer often attributed to smoking. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma, he had experienced extreme weight loss common with that kind of cancer.
This led many to ask, “was Dustin Diamond a smoker?” The actor, aged 44 at his death, stated emphatically that he did not. However, Diamond was somewhat troubled since he left the show, struggling on the stand-up comedy circuit and trying to find his spot in the limelight even leading to a sex tape and a tell-all book, neither of which were at his direction reportedly.
It’s due to those reasons that the answer to the question, “did Dustin Diamond smoke” is (many believe), it’s more likely that he did rather than did not and it was ultimately the source of his cancer. However, representatives told TMZ that wasn’t the case.
Are Hotels and Motels to Blame?
There were two possible reasons that the hotels and motels that Diamond visited were thought to be to blame. One of them was mold in run-down spots where there were few alternatives.
Healthline puts the mold argument away pretty quickly.
“There is no evidence linking indoor exposure to black mold or any other type of mold with cancer. Mold is associated with other health problems, though.” It later goes on to add “The CDC states that there have been rare reports that these molds can cause serious health conditions like memory loss or pulmonary hemorrhage. However, there’s no proven link between mold and such health problems.
Black mold is not linked to lung or other cancers.” – Healthline
That leaves the asbestos argument. Asbestos has been linked to cancer for more than 40 years.
“Studies evaluating the cancer risk experienced by automobile mechanics exposed to asbestos through brake repair are limited, but the overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure” – Cancer.gov
Asbestos exposure is certainly a cause for cancer so the question is just how many hotels and motels might have it. That number gets smaller and smaller every year. Since 1979 improved building requirements have all but eliminated the use of the product in modern construction.
It’s certainly possible that Diamond stayed in hotels and motels that predated this
What Can You Do About It?
First, avoid any property that has not had a major renovation in the last 40 years. Classic properties may make this harder to discern. However, many properties will keep these files on record. Local health authorities should also be able to clarify whether a property has been cleared of any Asbestos.
As a general rule, avoiding any hotel booked prior to this period will help. While this may not be available in all areas, it should be available in most and at a variety of price points. Major hotel groups will be compliant with these requirements as a matter of course and should be able to certify their hotels health and safety records.
Conclusion
Whether the answer to the question, “Did Screech smoke” is ultimately yes, his explanation is also possibly true. It is possible to develop lung cancer from staying in motels and hotels with asbestos. Particularly, those with a family history of cancer may be susceptible at a higher level than others. It may be doubtful that Diamond spent enough time in dingy motels to achieve this, but it is possible. If you have concerns about your lodging, inquire or seek other accommodations.
What do you think? Are hotels and motels to blame for Dustin Diamond’s death?
Asbestos is a known risk factor for mesothelioma and not small cell. It is also dose-dependent (the more you’re exposed the higher your risk), and has a delayed onset of up to several decades.
Not sure if asbestos is to blame here.
Virtually every building constructed between 1930- 1980 has asbestos material ( in drywall, in insulation, ceiling panels, lagging around pipes); if it’s untouched the risk is minimal: but unsecured/unprofessional removal/disturbance during renovation is a major risk , although most jurisdictions have very strict procedures regarding asbestos.
The only place I know where it’s still in common use in building and construction: Thailand, where lobbyists have managed to fend off moves to outlaw its use ( been under ‘discussion’ for 30 years)
Ok, it’s not dustin poirier, who’s fighting Conor in July.
Crazy because that’s the same thing I was thinking.
Apparently “covid!!” is losing it’s fear factor these days. Now let’s move on to an oldy-but-goody “asbestos!!”. This is all so tedious. But fear sells, so it’s always going to be pumped one way or another. smh/lol
One the one hand you say that there is no link between mold and cancer as per available research and in yoour summary you state it as fact.
@747 Always – you’re right, i had published “from staying in motels and hotels with asbestos and mold.” I have since corrected it to just say “asbestos.” I meant it to refer back to his statement, but I didn’t read that way. I am happy to correct and I appreciate it.
Aziz and Paolo are absolutely correct. My father died 1/2009 at the age of 77 after being diagnosed 8/2008 with mesothelioma. He was exposed when removing asbestos insulation to access machinery in the late 50s – early 60s while aboard ship in the US Navy. Meso is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. My buddy’s father has asbestosis which is not cancerous, but bad in itself.