What Are The Risk Factors For Mesothelioma?
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 noncancerous, 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.
Latest News
 CaymanMama.com (press release) | Mesothelioma / Asbestos in Layman’s terms - What is it and how ... CaymanMama.com (press release), TX - According to Wikipedia, “the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis (also ... |
LA Water Department Fined for Asbestos Violation Asbestos.com, Florida - Exposure to asbestos can also cause the development of mesothelioma and lung cancer. Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed in a late stage of ... |
 Lawyers and Settlements | Dying for Work Lawyers and Settlements - Over the decades he was exposed to asbestos, with no knowledge of the health effects. He died of lung cancer, very possibly mesothelioma just 3 years after ... |
Development of Mesothelioma Results in Asbestos-Related Lawsuit Asbestos.com, Florida - The suit claims the defendants should have prevented the asbestos exposure. As a result of developing lung cancer, Donald Kerr suffered great physical and ... |
Asbestos Lawsuit Against BNSF Claims Couple Suffered Asbestos Diseases Asbestos.com, Florida - Beyond asbestosis, other diseases that can result from asbestos exposure include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type ... |
Oregon Contractor and County Fined for Asbestos Violations TransWorldNews (press release), GA - Exposure to asbestos can cause serious diseases, including a chronic lung condition called asbestosis, and a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. ... |
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk Shuts Down Baltimore County ... Asbestos.com, Florida - Such diseases include asbestosis, a debilitating lung condition that reduces lung capacity, and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer developing within the ... |
 Cumberland News | Ucatt wants housing chief sacked over asbestos exposure Building.co.uk, UK - Inhaling asbestos can result in serious medical conditions. Last year, 2000 people died from mesothelioma, an incurable form of lung cancer caused by ... Housing association launches probe into handling of asbestos |
Sheraton called asbestos-free Gary Post Tribune, IN - Long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. ... |
Mesothelioma-Related Lawsuits Continue to be Filed in Illinois Asbestos.com, Florida - Asbestos is dangerous because any amount of exposure can cause serious diseases, including a chronic, debilitating lung condition called asbestosis. ... |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time