Exposure Risk Factors of Asbestos – The Main Cause of Mesothelioma Cancer
Article by Lyn Giguere
Learn who is at risk for Mesothelioma cancer and how Asbestos exposure may occur.
Mesothelioma cancer should not be taken lightly. Like other cancers, Mesothelioma is a fatal illness. The main cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Because of its insulation and heat resistant capabilities, asbestos had been used in many products. The mineral asbestos was also the prime construction material used across Europe and the US to insulate homes, commercial buildings, schools, churches and other buildings.
Who is at risk of contracting Mesothelioma cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, everyone is exposed to asbestos throughout their lifetime. Because it is a naturally occurring mineral, trace elements can be found in the air, water and soil. These trace amounts of asbestos typically do not make people ill but extended exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos fibers put individuals at risk for asbestos related diseases like Mesothelioma cancer.
Older buildings can be contaminated with asbestos and therefore a danger not only to the people occupying them, but also to the people who are in close vicinity if the damage to the building were to occur. Asbestos miners and workers in industries that utilized the mineral have a higher risk of contracting Mesothelioma.
When does exposure to asbestos occur?
Asbestos exposure occurs as soon as the asbestos laden air is inhaled giving a chance to the dust and fibers of asbestos to settle inside the human body. These fibers cannot enter the human organs but settle on the protective lining that covers the lungs, the heart and the abdomen, thus giving rise to Mesothelioma or Asbestosis.
Once exposed to asbestos and a latency period of about 20 plus years, related diseases and severe symptoms of exposure surface. Early detection helps in treatment and slows the progression of the disease.
Although the use of asbestos has been discourage and its use is now regulated by the EPA, thousands of people are endangered as asbestos still found in many older products and building.
About the Author
Lyn Giguere specializes in mesothelioma cancer news. She writes on various subjects of mesothelioma cases educating victims of mesothelioma on how to find a mesothelioma attorney .
Exposure to Asbestos causes Lung Cancer and other diseases. These diseases often cause victims and their families pain, suffering, and medical expenses from which its difficult to recover. If you or a loved one has been exposed to Asbestos, or is at risk for lung cancer or Mesothelioma, we can help. Find all the information you need at our website kazanvideo.com, or call us today for a no cost evaluation at 877.622.5246.
Find More Causes Of Mesothelioma Cancer Articles
Asbestos Cancers-What are the less common types, the risk factors, and recommended steps to tackle diagnosis?
Article by Bello kamorudeen
Over the past few decades, millions of people have been unknowingly exposed to asbestos, which is a fibrous mineral that leads to the development of various types of cancers.Although mesothelioma is the commonest type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure, it can also less commonly lead to the development of other cancers such as lung cancer.
Lung Cancer
This is another dangerous cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. There are two types of lung cancer: a-small cell lung cancer, and b-Non-small cell lung cancer.The Non small cell lung cancer is the commonest type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of known cases. The diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed by the appearance of cancer cells under the microscope, in the sample of the tumor tissue.
SymptomsThese include:
A}coughing
B}chest pain
C}haemoptysis-the presence of blood in the sputum
D}weight loss
E}tiredness
F}headaches
Just like in mesothelioma, these symptoms do not appear until many years after the initial exposure to the hazardous material. Anyone experiencing these symptoms of lung cancer and who has been exposed to asbestos in the past should seek immediate medical evaluation and examination.
Apart from mesothelioma and lung cancer which are the two most commonly associated cancers with exposure to asbestos, exposure can also lead to a number of other,very serious life threatening cancers like gastrointestinal cancer, and colorectal cancers. Also according to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to asbestos can also increase the chances of developing kidney, throat, esophagus, and gall bladder cancers.
In addition to these cancers, exposure to asbestos has also been linked to breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, as well as Leukemia and Lymphoma.
Associated Risk Factors For Asbestos Cancer
As with other carcinogens, the risk of developing this type of cancer is influenced by a number of factors related to exposure.
1-The amount of asbestos to which a person is exposed to is an important factor, as the number of asbestos fibers increases, so also the likelihood of developing serious asbestos related diseases increases.
2-The duration of exposure is also an important factor in determining the risk of developing the cancer.
3-Smoking increases the risk of developing the cancer.
4-The presence of other pre existing diseases also increases the risk of developing asbestos cancer. For example, people who have developed non malignant pleural diseases as a result of exposure to asbestos have a greater risk of developing lung cancer.
Recommended steps to take after exposure to asbestos
If you have been exposed to asbestos at any time, you should see your doctor for a medical examination. Most of the cancers caused by asbestos present years and decades after the initial exposure by which time the tumor will have been too advanced for curative treatments.
If you eventually receive a diagnosis of asbestos related cancer, you should seek the assistance of an asbestos lawyer to get you compensation from the companies that knowingly manufactured asbestos contaminated products.
About the Author
Bello kamorudeen is an health worker and author of several mesothelioma articles.For more information on asbestos cancers and mesothelioma visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
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