MCA Staff Writers
Presenting Up-to-Date Mesothelioma Topics
2 0 1 3Jul15
Mesothelioma is caused by one thing: exposure to asbestos. It’s been determined that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos and even trace amounts can develop into mesothelioma or another type of asbestos-related disease. It all starts with exposure. We’ve broken down the very basics of asbestos exposure in order to make what is a mystery cancer to some a little more clear.
Who
Asbestos were used heavily during the Industrial Revolution in manufacturing facilities and also for many years in all branches of the military. For a while, the workers and servicemen of these industries were most at risk for exposure to asbestos. Although men are more likely to develop mesothelioma because they outnumbered women in these areas of high exposure for many years, women and even children that were exposed via secondhand exposure are also at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Today, men and women can be exposed during home renovations because many building materials manufactured prior to the 1980s contain asbestos.
What
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used throughout history because of it’s excellent physical properties. The affordable fibrous mineral boasts a resistance to fire, heat and chemical damage. Because of this, asbestos was long considered a miracle material and used in everything from clothing to building materials. Now a known carcinogen, asbestos is banned in most countries and most asbestos manufacturing companies have gone bankrupt. However, the fibers still exist in some of the common materials used to build older houses, such as insulation and roofing materials.
Where
The use of asbestos was common and widespread during the Industrial Revolution and in early military equipment. Because of this, jobs involving manufacturing, shipyards, and chemical plants, as well as military service, put workers most at risk for exposure to asbestos. Today, although the use of asbestos in the U.S. has been limited, there are still areas of work that might play a role in asbestos exposure. Major construction job sites, especially those dealing with older infrastructure, jobs involving boilers and piping insulation, and even jobs in some schools containing older building materials that might contain asbestos put workers most at risk of exposure today.
When
One of the most serious factors involved with asbestos exposure is the long latency period between exposure and side effects. Someone who has been exposed to asbestos, whether it be from past military service or from a recent home renovation project, might not have any physical side effects or even be aware of exposure until 30 to 50 years down the road when symptoms of mesothelioma or other serious asbestos-related diseases start to appear. This makes it even more important to be aware of the asbestos that might be around. Getting a professional home inspection and researching your place of work’s asbestos history can help heighten your knowledge and lower your risk.
Why
Asbestos use dates back to ancient Greece and Rome and has been widespread since then. It’s a miracle mineral, but a deadly one, and is banned in many nations around the world. However, the U.S. has yet to officially ban the use and manufacturing of products with asbestos. There are limits on the mineral’s use nationally and many states have individually placed bans, but there is still a possibility of unknown exposure.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, making it important to stay informed about the mineral, it’s uses historically and how it might put you at risk today. It all starts with exposure. To learn more about asbestos and asbestos exposure, join our community and get in on the conversation about the deadly effects of asbestos and mesothelioma and help us advocate for it to be banned.
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