Mesothelioma Asbestos

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Mesothelioma asbestos - In the history of mankind, there have been few man-made catastrophes that can rival mesothelioma. Most other incidences like the Minamata disease have occurred due to mishandling of toxic substances.

However, in the case of mesothelioma the use of asbestos, without adequate safety is the prime concern. While rampant use of toxic substances are reported in the third world nations, the large scale of mesothelioma caused by asbestos has been a major embarrassment in the developed world.

The early periods of the 20th century saw an exponential rise in demand for ships, power plants, real estate and consumer equipment. Asbestos was used in large quantities for insulation requirements around boilers, furnaces, and electrical conduits. In the US, mesothelioma asbestos disease has caused the deaths of about 3500 patients each year.

Mesothelioma is reported from all over the world, making it the largest human disaster triggered by unnatural causes. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is easily pulverized by mechanical damage and transported through the air. It readily passes unchecked through the respiratory tract, forming layers of asbestos fibers in the lungs. The asbestos then passes through the lungs into the exterior mesothelium.

Construction activity and demolition of old buildings may lead to asbestos pollution on a large scale. Experts believe that the US navy may record the second largest incidence of mesothelioma. The alarming fact is that former workmen, who lead a healthy life apart from the exposure at their workplaces, are the most vulnerable to the disease.

Also at risk are thousands of people who worked in laundries and other occupations which brought them into contact with exposed workers. Their cases may not bring them compensation from industries, due to their indirect exposure to the hazard.

Lung mesothelioma has been proved to be a result of asbestos inhalation. However, the action of asbestos while causing malignancies in the mesothelium surrounding the heart, abdomen and testes is not clearly understood. It is believed that asbestos enters the blood stream through the alveolar barrier in the lungs.

The blood carries the asbestos to various parts of the body and hence affects the heart, abdomen and the testes. The asbestos interferes with the cell division process known as mitogenesis. The mineral modifies the DNA structure leading to a loss in control over the triggers for cell multiplication. This unrestricted growth results in tumor formation in the mesothelial layer. Mesothelioma asbestos gets its hold.

Lung or pleural mesothelioma form a significant majority of the cases registered each year. The symptoms of lung and heart mesothelioma include chest pain, breathlessness, irregular heartbeats, and sudden and drastic weight loss. These are very similar to other cancers and chest infections, resulting in a low rate of early diagnosis.

An early detection can give the patient a head start to stop the progress of the disease and also induce a complete cure through surgery or chemotherapy. The symptoms become visible only after latency period of 20 to 40 years. Hence, many may have concomitant conditions, like heart disease, diabetes or other cancers that makes diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) have put in place stringent guidelines and laws that govern the use and disposal of asbestos in industrial units. Also, the liabilities that are to be borne by the corporations are also laid down.

Patients who seek compensation can sue the perpetrators on the basis of such laws. While mesothelioma is a fatal disease in most patients, correct and timely diagnosis, and expert legal support can help patients and their dependents obtain the best possible treatment and succor.

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