Asbestos is the main culprit behind the dangerous type of cancer, mesothelioma. Majority of the mesothelioma cases reported have a background history of exposure to asbestos behind them. Then also, cases have been reported rarely of this cancer where there was no involvement of asbestos particles. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be separated into fine threads. It is widely used in industries like manufacturing cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation. Many hapless workers have become victims of asbestos mesothelioma due to the wide usage of the mineral.
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.
Diagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma is very difficult as the symptoms of the disease appear very late. The resemblance of the symptoms with those of other diseases also prove and obstacle in the path of early diagnosis. Improvement in medical technology has given rise to many treatment options for the victims, though a complete cure is not materialized so far.
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