Friday, January 29, 2010

The Treatment For Asbestos Mesothelioma

By Joe Harrell

Overexposure to asbestos is the main factor which is responsible for contracting mesothelioma. Of all the reported mesothelioma cases, about 70-80 percent has a history of asbestos exposure. At the same time, a few other cases have been reported where asbestos was not at involved. Asbestos is a mineral occurring in nature as masses of flexible fibers and it can be separated into fine threads and woven. It is widely put to industrial use for manufacturing cement, flooring products, brake linings, roof shingles, insulation products and textiles. Owing to its widespread use, a number of workers have been affected by asbestos mesothelioma.

During the process of manufacturing, these asbestos particles get scattered in the air. Serious health hazards take place in the workers when they inhale or swallow them unknowingly. It is also found that asbestos exposure coupled with smoking increases the risk of getting affected by the cancer. There have been millions of American workers who have been exposed to the material since early'40s. The workers include those who are in the asbestos mines and mills, shipyard industry, heating and construction industries etc.

The risk of asbestos related disease increases with heavier and longer exposure to asbestos. However, there are exceptions like individuals with brief exposure developing asbestos mesothelioma and a few others who are heavily exposed not developing the disease. Asbestos has been mined and used for commercial purposes since the late'00s. Initially the risks involved in asbestos were not known. Once the link between the cancer and asbestos was established various laws came into existence for the welfare of the workers. Limits have been set for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the place of work.

The malicious particles have not even spared the family members and others living with asbestos workers. These people become the hapless victims of asbestos particles brought home by the workers on the clothing and hair. Now the welfare measures adopted for the workers include bathing and change of dress at the work place.

Asbestos mesothelioma diagnosis is a difficult issue since the symptoms are noticeable after many years of exposure. Also, these symptoms are similar with those of many other diseases. These prove to be the main obstacles in detecting the disease at early stages. However, the advancement in medical technology has given victims many options of treatment though a complete cure is yet to materialize.

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