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Working with asbestos is the major risk
factor for Mesothelioma cancer. A history of asbestos
exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80
percent of all cases. However, Mesothelioma has been
reported in some individuals without any known exposure to
asbestos.
Asbestos is the name of a group of
minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible
fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven.
Asbestos Mesothelioma has been widely used in many
industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof
shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If
tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during
the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed,
and can cause serious health problems. In addition to
Mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of
lung cancer, asbestosis (a non cancerous, chronic lung
ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and
kidney.
Smoking does not appear to increase the
risk of Mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking
and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's
risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the
lung.
Who Is At Increased Risk For Developing
Mesothelioma? Asbestos has been mined and used commercially
since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World
War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers
have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks
associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However,
an increased risk of developing Mesothelioma cancer was
later found among shipyard workers, people who work in
asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products,
workers in the heating and construction industries, and
other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable
levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who
work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to
lower their risk of exposure.
The risk of asbestos-related disease
increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer
exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief
exposures have developed Mesothelioma. On the other hand,
not all workers who are heavily exposed develop
asbestos-related diseases.
There is some evidence that family
members and others living with asbestos workers have an
increased risk of developing Mesothelioma, and possibly
other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result
of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing
and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of
exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers
are usually required to shower and change their clothing
before leaving the workplace.
Can Mesothelioma Be Prevented?
Mesothelioma Help - The best way to
prevent this disease is to avoid contact with asbestos in
public buildings, homes, and at work. People who could be
exposed to asbestos at work include miners, factory workers,
railroad workers, insulation workers, ship builders, makers
of gas masks, and construction workers.
For more free legal information on Mesothelioma
and Asbestos Lawsuits, please visit Free
Legal Information.
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