What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos disease,
mesothelioma cancers, lung cancers and asbestosis
are the diseases caused because of asbestos
exposure. Asbestos constitutes different naturally occurring fibrous
minerals in some rocks and soil. It has found widespread use in industries and
building materials such as fireproofing, roofing shingles, electric insulation,
furnace, hot pipe covering, and friction products.
Recent studies have, however, revealed that exposure to
asbestos can have damaging health implication resulting in asbestos disease and
mesothelioma for both workers in industries making use of asbestos as well as
those who live in the environment surrounding such places. Workers may inhale
fine asbestos particles in the air; they also become exposed through skin
contact with asbestos or by swallowing asbestos fibers while at work. These
workers are vulnerable to asbestos diseases as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Serious Effects Of Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is the most serious of several asbestos-related
diseases detected so far. This is because of the carcinogenic effect of
asbestos particles. Asbestos can cause cancer of the lungs, esophagus, colon,
rectum, stomach, vocal chords, and kidneys. About 70 percent to 80 percent of
all cases of asbestos disease mesothelioma - a rare type of cancer of the
mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most of the body internal
organs – are the result of asbestos exposure at work.
Asbestos disease mesothelioma may not immediately manifest.
The asbestos particles can lie dormant in the body for several years and
manifest later, when the prognosis is very grim. It is possible that by the
time the disease is diagnosed, the cancer may have already spread
significantly. In view of health concerns all new uses of asbestos in the
manufacturing industries have been banned in the United States from July 1989
onward. In particular, the use of asbestos in hand-held hair dryers was
voluntarily stopped in 1979. Schools are required to test for use of asbestos
roofing and it is removed or covered up.
Compensation To Victims Of Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma
The first case of asbestos disease mesothelioma was filed
nearly 70 years ago. Employees in industries with considerable risk of asbestos
poisoning are, in principle, eligible for mesothelioma compensation. The
compensation is available only for those employees who run the risk of asbestos
exposure since the 1940s. Recently, many mesothelioma patients have filed lawsuits
for compensation. They have been awarded compensation on the ground that the
owners of industries continued to use asbestos despite the information of the
health hazards it entails. Currently, help is available to victims of asbestos
disease mesothelioma through many specialized legal firms in the United States.
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