3:30 a.m. - 2010-02-24
The Association Between Mesothelioma And Asbestos
The link between mesothelioma and asbestos wasn't established until 1960s. Asbestos is a natural compound mined out of the earth and has been very handy in making a good range of materials like cement, ship building etc . Its use increased since 1940s and many millions of people all over the world were employed in extracting, processing and commercial activities. Since no one suspected any complications, no cares, at all, were taken by the bosses to guard their workers from inhaling or ingesting its flying fibers.
The workers were not aware of the dangers involved in asbestos and they kept on carrying asbestos particles in their cloths or hair. Thus family members were also exposed to the malicious particles as they went home without having a shower or changing cloths. Thus family members also started getting infected. Later on when the relation between mesothelioma and asbestos was established, many governments banned the indiscriminate use of asbestos. Many restrictions were imposed. But by that time many have already become victims of mesothelioma infection.
Asbestos particles, once in through the air we inhale, get deposited in the protective lining of the lungs and other vital organs and set off chemical reactions which results in abnormal and uncontrolled dividing of mesothelium cells. Long years of this activity result in the infection spreading and appearance of cancer symptoms. This is why mesothelioma and asbestos are always spelt in the same breath.
Mesothelioma is the deadliest of all diseases like lung cancer caused by asbestos. Various precautionary measures are taken these days like wearing protective masks, bathing and changing cloths at work place etc. In spite of this mesothelioma cases are still reported, though rarely. About 3000 people are diagnosed of carrying this disease every year in United States alone. The number would be much more around the world. The sorry state of affairs is that in spite of the link between mesothelioma and cancer many countries have not made asbestos laws and unscrupulous employers still exploit workers to satisfy their greed.
Since there is an umbilical relation between mesothelioma and asbestos, workers are entitled to financial compensation. The amount, that may run to millions, can help to cover treatment expenses and loss of income.
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