Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s; its use greatly increased during World War II. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust.If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were unknown. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among:* Shipyard workers* People who work in asbestos mines and mills* Producers of asbestos products* Workers in the heating and construction industries* Other tradespeople.Today, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fiber that, when released into the air, can be inhaled or swallowed. Asbestos has no smell or taste, and asbestos fibers are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. Asbestos fibers can “stick” in the lung, abdomen and other body tissues and over time, lead to the development of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. There is a long latency period between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma; in other words, decades may pass after a person’s first exposure to asbestos before he or she becomes ill. A person who has been diagnosed with asbestosis (a non-cancerous scarring of the lungs) is at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma in the future.
Millions of people in the U.S. have been exposed to asbestos, and it is estimated that approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. In these pages, you will read about asbestos, cancer support and the common ways for occupational and environmental asbestos exposure.