Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma

Sunday, August 14, 2011 Labels: , , ,

Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma - If you have watched television at some point in the past few months, then I am sure that you have seen the many commercials soliciting those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These commercials are for legal services and target people who have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma through an exposure to asbestos. So, maybe you have wondered what mesothelioma is and what the issues are surrounding it. It is simply another form of cancerMost of those who get diagnosed do not realize that they have it until it's too late because this form of cancer can go undetected for decades and can even be caused by just one incident in which one was exposed to asbestos. I have heard of cases were 20 years had passed since being exposed to asbestos to when mesothelioma was diagnosed.

Some people make the mistake of connecting mesothelioma to lung cancer. However, these two diseases are completely different. Mesothelioma develops around the lining that protects the body's organs, which is known as the mesothelium. It is often found around the lining of the lungs, which is why it is mistaken for lung cancer.

So, how does mesothelioma develop? It is primarily caused from asbestos. In most cases, people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at various job sites in the construction or mining industry. However, you will find that asbestos can be found in your everyday household items. These levels of asbestos cannot be compared to what can be found in the job related sites and are not significant enough to cause any damage. Asbestos has been around for over 100 years and is used in many items that you would not even consider. The issue is when the amount of asbestos is beyond the normal safety limits.

Because there may not be any noticeable symptoms or the symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, mesothelioma can take awhile to be detected. However, the common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and pain around your chest area. If you notice any symptoms, you should ensure that you speaks to a medical professional as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there have not been any great advancements in technology to help support proper care and treatment for those with mesothelioma. However, the government has supported many laws to ensure that jobs sites minimize exposure as much as possible, including code violations and fines for any violations since the mid 1900s.

Tags : Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma, Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

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Posted by Chanchandrue at 9:13 PM 0 comments  

The History of Asbestos

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The History of Asbestos - Asbestos derives its meaning from the Ancient Greeks, meaning "inextinguishable," because of its harmful biological effects. A person who is exposed to asbestos may contract a disease known as asbestosis. This respiratory disease scars the tissue in the lungs. The lungs are prevented from freely exchanging gases, as well as, expanding and contracting properly.

Additionally, Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma can develop. Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma are highly aggressive diseases that are usually the result of exposure to asbestos that has occurred over a long period of time. Treatment options are expanding but there is currently no cure.

Discovery of the Harmful Effects of Asbestos

Asbestos was first diagnosed in 1924 when a young woman died in her twenties after being exposed. Eventually, studies performed on English workers showed that asbestos presented a real risk and exposure could cause sickness and even death.

Unfortunately, the United States did not act on this information immediately. Workers continued to be exposed to this harmful substance and it would be years before the extent of the damage was know. This harmful substance particularly affected workers in specialized occupation including Naval Veterans, fire-fighters, shipyard workers, brake mechanics, steam fitters and construction workers.

People who have worked in these occupations may be particularly vulnerable to contract asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease because they were often in close contact with it.

Failed Prevention of Injury

When Asbestos was started to be used in homes and workplaces throughout the United States, it was presumed safe by the general public. The manufacturers, however, knew that this was not true. Going back to the early 1900's, a series of corporate lies and half-truths kept the public from knowing that exposure to asbestos could many times lead to an early and painful death. During this time when Asbestos use was prominent and the companies knew what a health risk it could pose, they started to do various studies of the health of their workers to see if asbestosis (the precursor to Mesothelioma, where inhaled asbestos fibers cause scarring and damage to the lungs) was present. These studies brought back shocking results: that up to 29% of workers had asbestosis, which would lead to Mesothelioma or other debilitating lung problems.

Injury Liability of Manufacturers

Asbestos became very popular due to its ability to insulate buildings and products. The courts have recognized that the Asbestos manufacturers are responsible, requiring them to provide compensation to the victims and their families.

Tags : The History of Asbestos, Asbestos, Lung Cancer

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Posted by Chanchandrue at 8:51 PM 0 comments  

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