Exposure To Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and rock
in some areas of the United States. It is the exposure to
asbestos that most often is the culprit behind the
development of mesothelioma cancer.
A diagnosis of malignant
mesothelioma can be a result of
asbestos exposure some 40 or 50
years earlier. American industrial workers exposed to asbestos in
the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma
cancer. The exposure to asbestos can occur over a relatively short
period of time and then lay dormant in the body for decades before
turning into this rare yet aggressive cancer.
Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical in the
management of mesothelioma. Even though a patient may have no
symptoms, early diagnosis is imperative and early screening is a
critical piece of making that diagnosis. For those workers with a
known history of exposure to asbestos, testing for the earliest
signs of mesothelioma is the most important way to get a jump start
on this disease.
Because of the long period of time that can occur
between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma,
every day counts. Once this disease decides to take hold, it can be
extremely aggressive.
Industrial workers that use asbestos or products containing
asbestos may inhale the asbestos fibers that are suspended in the
air. Workers may also carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes,
where other family members can come into contact with asbestos by
handling the worker’s clothes and inhaling the microscopic asbestos
fibers.
Also, people who live or work near asbestos-related
operations may inhale asbestos fibers that enter the air because of
releases of materials into the environment. Generally, asbestos
fibers are thin fibers too small to be seen; as they float in the
air, they can easily be inhaled. People may also swallow asbestos
fibers if they eat in areas where asbestos fibers are in the air or
if they drink water contaminated with fibers. Homes and businesses
insulated with material containing asbestos may also be a source of
exposure.
The amount of asbestos a person is exposed to will vary according
to how many fibers are in the air and how long a person breathes the
air containing the fibers.
Between 1940 and 1980, an estimated 27 million Americans workers
had an occupational exposure to asbestos that could result in health
effects.
Health problems are usually related to the amount and length of
time of exposure to asbestos. After asbestos fibers are breathed in,
they can easily enter and become trapped in the airways and lung
tissue and the body has difficulty removing the fibers. Continued
exposure to asbestos increases the amount of asbestos that remains
in the lungs. Diseases related to asbestos may not show up until
several years later.
More Resources
Articles
Incidence Of Malignant
Mesothelioma
It is thought that the
number exposed between 1940 and 1980 exceeds
25 million. |
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Asbestos Exposure
After asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can easily enter and become trapped
in the airways and lung tissue and the body has difficulty removing the fibers. |
Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma
Diagnosing pleural
mesothelioma is a challenge. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of all
mesothelioma cancers. |
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Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural
mesothelioma is the most common of all mesotheliomas and diagnosing this
rare cancer can be a challenge. |
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