The main factor responsible for contracting mesothelioma is working with asbestos. About 70 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases have a history of asbestos exposure behind them. In spite of this, there have been a few cases of this malicious cancer, where asbestos exposure was not involved. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral as masses of flexible fibers which can be separated into fine threads and woven. There are many industrial products which make use of asbestos like, cement, brake linings, flooring products, roof shingles, textiles and insulation. Thus asbestos mesothelioma becomes a serious health hazard to many workers.
During the manufacturing process, the tiny asbestos particles get scattered in the air. Unwittingly, the workers inhale or swallow these particles giving rise so severe health problems. It is found that asbestos exposure and smoking enhance the risk of contracting cancer of the air passageways in the lung. Many American workers have become hapless victims of the material since the early’40s. They include shipyard workers, people who are working in asbestos mines and mills, construction industries etc.
The risk of asbestos related disease increases with heavier and longer exposure to asbestos. However, there are exceptions like individuals with brief exposure developing asbestos mesothelioma and a few others who are heavily exposed not developing the disease. Asbestos has been mined and used for commercial purposes since the late’00s. Initially the risks involved in asbestos were not known. Once the link between the cancer and asbestos was established various laws came into existence for the welfare of the workers. Limits have been set for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the place of work.
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.
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