A Highly Potential Killer - Asbestos Mesothelioma

By Heidi Wingrain

Asbestos is the main culprit behind the dangerous type of cancer, mesothelioma. Majority of the mesothelioma cases reported have a background history of exposure to asbestos behind them. Then also, cases have been reported rarely of this cancer where there was no involvement of asbestos particles. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be separated into fine threads. It is widely used in industries like manufacturing cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation. Many hapless workers have become victims of asbestos mesothelioma due to the wide usage of the mineral.

During the process of manufacturing, these asbestos particles get scattered in the air. Serious health hazards take place in the workers when they inhale or swallow them unknowingly. It is also found that asbestos exposure coupled with smoking increases the risk of getting affected by the cancer. There have been millions of American workers who have been exposed to the material since early'40s. The workers include those who are in the asbestos mines and mills, shipyard industry, heating and construction industries etc.

As the exposure to asbestos increases, the risk of asbestos related diseases also increases. Since the late'00s, asbestos has been mined and put to commercial purposes. In the beginning, people were not aware about the risks involved in asbestos. Once the connection between asbestos mesothelioma and asbestos was discovered, many welfare measures and laws in this regard came into existence. Now there is a limit set for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the factories.

The cancer is so malicious that it does not even spare the family members. Asbestos particles stick to the hair and clothing of workers thereby exposing the relatives also to them. In order to avoid this, rules have been formulated for the workers to have a bath and change of cloth before heading home.

Asbestos mesothelioma diagnosis is a difficult issue since the symptoms are noticeable after many years of exposure. Also, these symptoms are similar with those of many other diseases. These prove to be the main obstacles in detecting the disease at early stages. However, the advancement in medical technology has given victims many options of treatment though a complete cure is yet to materialize. - 30285

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