Mesothelioma
Cancers
Asbestos disease, mesothelioma cancers, lung
cancers and asbestosis are the diseases caused because of
asbestos exposure. Asbestos constitutes different naturally
occurring fibrous minerals in some rocks and soil. It has found
widespread use in industries and building materials such as
fireproofing, roofing shingles, electric insulation, furnace,
hot pipe covering, and friction products.
Recent studies have, however, revealed that exposure to
asbestos can have damaging health implication resulting in
asbestos disease and mesothelioma for both workers in
industries making use of asbestos as well as those who live in
the environment surrounding such places. Workers may inhale
fine asbestos particles in the air; they also become exposed
through skin contact with asbestos or by swallowing asbestos
fibers while at work. These workers are vulnerable to asbestos
diseases as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Serious Effects Of
Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is the most serious of several
asbestos-related diseases detected so far. This is because of
the carcinogenic effect of asbestos particles. Asbestos can
cause cancer of the lungs, esophagus, colon, rectum, stomach,
vocal chords, and kidneys. About 70 percent to 80 percent of
all cases of asbestos disease mesothelioma - a rare type of
cancer of the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and
protects most of the body internal organs –are the result of
asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos disease mesothelioma may
not immediately manifest.
The asbestos particles can lie dormant in the body for several
years and manifest later, when the prognosis is very grim. It
is possible that by the time the disease is diagnosed, the
cancer may have already spread significantly. In view of health
concerns all new uses of asbestos in the manufacturing
industries have been banned in the United States from July 1989
onward. In particular, the use of asbestos in hand-held hair
dryers was voluntarily stopped in 1979. Schools are required to
test for use of asbestos roofing and it is removed or covered
up.
Compensation To Victims
Of Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma
The first case of asbestos disease mesothelioma
was filed nearly 70 years ago. Employees in industries with
considerable risk of asbestos poisoning are, in principle,
eligible for mesothelioma compensation. The compensation is
available only for those employees who run the risk of asbestos
exposure since the 1940s. Recently, many mesothelioma patients
have filed lawsuits for compensation. They have been awarded
compensation on the ground that the owners of industries
continued to use asbestos despite the information of the health
hazards it entails. Currently, help is available to victims of
asbestos disease mesothelioma through many specialized legal
firms in the United States.
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