By Jonathan Ling Each year between 2000 and 3000 Americans are diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma every year. Asbestos exposure is the usual cause of this rare cancer. Until the 1980's asbestos continued to be mined and used in the US, mostly for insulation, but also for roofing, ceiling tiles, floor tiles and brake pads.
It usually takes anywhere from 20 to 40 years for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure. Scientists have not yet fully determined how exposure to this substance causes this rare cancer. What is known is that asbestos fibers that are inhaled are mostly exhaled by coughing or swallowing (about 66% are exhaled). The fibers that remain in the body travel through the airways and eventually reach the alveoli (tiny air sacs) in the lungs.
It is not certain how the fibers arrive in the mesothelium (a protective membrane covering the internal organs, like the lungs and heart). It is thought that it takes years for asbestos to make this journey, which helps explain why it takes so many years before this rare cancer develops.
Safe levels of asbestos exposure have never been established. There is some evidence that even low levels of exposure can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is not the only possible cause of this rare cancer. Other potential causes are:
Simian virus 40 (SV40) - a virus in contaminated polio vaccines in the 1950's and 1960's. Erionite - a non-asbestos mineral. Genetic predisposition - family history and genetics may play a role.
Who Is At Risk Of Developing Mesothelioma?
Most cases involve regular asbestos exposure. In the 1970's US laws were put into place to protect workers from exposure. Workers in certain industries had regular exposure, such as: Insulation workers, demolition workers, drywall workers, firefighters, automobile mechanics, steel mill workers, shipyard and shipbuilding workers, US Navy veterans. Even family members of these workers may be at risk because of their regular exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosing this cancer is very difficult and complicated because symptoms don't usually arise until the disease in in the late stages. Symptoms are non-specific such as weight loss, fatigue and night sweats.
If you or a loved one had consistent asbestos exposure, and you have questions you should seek out resources for more information. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation are both excellent resources.
Jonathan is a professional educator in the healthcare field with over 15 years of experience. You can visit his latest website which helps people find the best hair dryer for their needs, where you can learn about the Elchim Hair Dryer.
No comments:
Post a Comment