Mesothelioma and Asbestos - Birds Of The Same Feather

By Heidi Wingrain

It was in the 1960s that the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos was established. Asbestos is a naturally occurring product that has been put to use widely in ship building industries and cement manufacturing units. Millions of people all over the world are involved in its extraction, processing and industrial activities. Though its use increased steadily in the 1940s, no one suspected any side effects and no precautions were taken to protect the employees from inhaling or ingesting the fibers floating in the air.

The workers were not aware of the dangers involved in asbestos and they kept on carrying asbestos particles in their cloths or hair. Thus family members were also exposed to the malicious particles as they went home without having a shower or changing cloths. Thus family members also started getting infected. Later on when the relation between mesothelioma and asbestos was established, many governments banned the indiscriminate use of asbestos. Many restrictions were imposed. But by that time many have already become victims of mesothelioma infection.

Asbestos particles, once in through the air we inhale, get deposited in the protective lining of the lungs and other vital organs and set off chemical reactions which results in abnormal and uncontrolled dividing of mesothelium cells. Long years of this activity result in the infection spreading and appearance of cancer symptoms. This is why mesothelioma and asbestos are always spelt in the same breath.

Many ailments like the lung cancer are caused by asbestos. Among them mesothelioma is the most dangerous one. The risk involved in asbestos has been reduced by enforcing the use of protective masks, showering and changing cloths at work place etc. Still mesothelioma cases are reported here and there. In the United States alone 3000 people are reported to be carrying this disease. The number may be many times than that round the world. It is highly distressing to note that in some countries there are no asbestos laws in spite of the fact that the relation between mesothelioma and asbestos has been established. Here people are exploited by selfish employers resulting in asbestos exposure and its consequences.

Considering the close relation between mesothelioma and asbestos, laws are formulated for the workers to claim monetary relief from the errant employers. The hefty amount may run to millions to cover the treatment expenses and financial loss due to the disease. - 30285

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