Mesothelioma Cancer Minute

Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral common in manufacturing that’s been linked to cases of mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the protective linings of the lungs and heart.

Fort Worth, TX (WiredPRNews.com)—Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that is highly resistant to friction, acid and heat and is almost indestructible.

Light and durable, the fire-resistant mineral has been commonly used for residential home insulation, brake pad linings, paints, adhesives, roofing materials and other products.

According to a September 16, 2008 article that appeared on the website Transworldnews.com, asbestos is invisible to the unaided eye but appears as long, sliver-shaped fibers when placed under microscopic magnification. However, when asbestos is released into the air and it’s inhaled or ingested, malignant mesothelioma can result decades later.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the protective lining organs in the chest cavity. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease, attacks the lungs. Often times patients complain of a constant chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining and is much less common. The rarest form of the cancerous disease is pericardial mesothelioma, which afflicts the lining of the heart.

Most cases are diagnosed in patients who have worked in industries where asbestos is commonly used and it usually stays latent in the body for 15 to 20 years, according to the Transworldnews.com article.

According to the article, an English physician made the first diagnosis of mesothelioma in 1906. Today, up to 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and up to 4,000 people die annually because of mesothelioma-related cancers, according to the transworld.com article.

National Meso Awareness Day is September 26.

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Asbestos mesothelioma awareness

Hurricane Ike has torn away peoples homes and ripped open many sensitive parts of buildings and houses that are laden with asbestos resulting in toxic pollution especially in buildings and homes constructed before 1980s. The places that are likely to have asbestos are roof tiles, dry walls, attic insulations, floor tiles etc. Residents returning to their homes should be extra cautious about not being interactive with asbestos as it and its particles can damage their health and lead to mesothelioma cancer.

During cleaning and repair work, chances are that home owners might inhale asbestos dust and particles that might have gotten airborne. The asbestos dust and particles can effect the lungs and lining of heart and cause mesothelioma cancer, the deadliest and rarest form of cancer that is practically incurable. Care should also be taken by the returning residents as to not to clean or drink stagnant water as asbestos dust might also have settled in the water as well.

For the protection of the health of returning residents, the Environmental Protection Agency has set certain guidelines that should be followed in order to safeguard ones health.

1. This is not a ‘do it yourself mission’. It is dangerous as people can risk their lives and the lives on their loved ones while not practicing caution around asbestos polluted environment. Professionals help should be called for and once the area is clean from asbestos contamination repairing work should be done.

2. If residents decide to work out the way through asbestos themselves, they should wear protective masks that cover their nose and mouth so as not to inhale airborne asbestos dust and particles.

3. Do not get rid of asbestos by throwing away waste cartons or material. Extra care should be taken as asbestos containing material could contaminate the surroundings. Hiring a certified professional for removal of damaged asbestos items is advised. If anyone violates the guidelines set for removal and disposal of asbestos he / she might face huge penalties or imprisonment.

4. Any asbestos contamination must be reported to the authorities immediately.
Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer is a life taking disease. Working with and around asbestos can be dangerous to ones health. Contacting a mesothelioma cancer lawyer is essential for anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and seek guidance for claiming compensation for the injury inflicted unwillingly to ones health.


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=> Very helpful!