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.
The asbestos particles being so tiny float in the air during the manufacturing process. Unknowingly, they may be inhaled or swallowed by the workers, resulting in serious health problems. It should be noted that smoking and asbestos exposure enhance a person’s risk of contracting cancer of the air passageways in the lung. Millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos since the early’40s. Shipyard workers, those who are working in asbestos mines and mills, workers in the heating and construction industries etc also face increased threat of catching the disease.
With heavier and longer espouser to asbestos, the risk of asbestos related disease increases. At this point it should also be remembered that while many who have had maximum exposure to asbestos were spared, there are a few unfortunate ones who contracted asbestos mesothelioma though they were exposed to the minimum. Since the late’00s, asbestos has been mined and put to commercial use. The risks were unknown to the common public in the initial days. After establishing the connection between the cancer and asbestos, many laws have come into existence for the betterment of the workers. One such measure is setting limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in workplace.
Asbestos has not left out even the family members and other dear ones of the workers. They have also become miserable victims of the particles when they are brought home by the workers unknowingly in their clothing and hair. But some safety measures adopted recently stipulate that workers should shower and change cloths before leaving the factory.
It has been noted that detection of asbestos mesothelioma is a difficult process owing to the fact that the symptoms appear very late. The similarity of the symptoms with those of other diseases also makes the correct diagnosis almost impossible. Medical technology has advanced greatly giving new hope to the victims and their relatives. But a complete cure still remains a distant dream.
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