Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in a variety of construction and manufacturing applications until the mid 1980’s. Asbestos use in the U.S. peaked in 1973, when knowledge of the dangers of exposure to asbestos started to become more widely recognized and publicized. Although asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, the toxic mineral still remains in many buildings, construction and transportation products. 

 

Exposure to asbestos is common during maintenance, renovation or demolition activities that cause intact or deteriorated asbestos containing materials to be disturbed. When asbestos is disturbed, it can become airborne and be inhaled or ingested, where it then becomes lodged in the body and remains there throughout life. 

 

Exposure to asbestos is now known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Mesothelioma has been diagnosed in workers who are occupationally exposed as well as family members and residents who live close to asbestos mines.

 

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that begins in the mesothelium, or thin membrane surrounding the lungs, heart or abdomen. Symptoms of the disease do not appear until 20-40 years after first exposure. Due to the long latency period between exposure and diagnosis, mesothelioma is almost always fatal and prognosis is usually poor. Early diagnosis and research leading to new treatments are critical in improving survival times and quality of life. 

 

In a recent report released by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) it was noted that there were 18,068 malignant mesothelioma deaths reported in the US between 1999 and 2005. Of these, 81% were male and 95% were among whites. There was an increase in mesothelioma deaths from 1999 to 2005, although the annual death rate remained stable. The CDC predicts that the number of mesothelioma cases will peak around 2010.

 

Another study also reports that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer where a malignant tumor invades the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Common symptoms of mesothelioma are:

 

·         cough,

·         wheezing,

·         unexplained weight loss,

·         shortness of breath,

·         chest pain or pain under the ribs,

·         labored breathing,

·         anemia,

·         pain, swelling or lumps in the abdomen

 

Mesothelioma is considered a non-small cell lung cancer, which generally grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Choice of treatment usually depends on size, location and extent of the tumor. Surgery is one way to treat mesothelioma, but isn’t always an option. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used to slow the progress of the disease and to manage symptoms. 

 

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid any and all exposure to asbestos. Workers who are more at risk of exposure, such as builders, construction workers, firefighters, mechanics, and maintenance workers should take extra precautions and safety measures. 

 

Anyone experiencing symptoms common to mesothelioma, especially if there is known exposure to asbestos, should consult with a physician for evaluation and advice.