Mesothelioma Causes
Mesothelioma has long been a mystery disease and Mesothelioma causes have long deluded, baffled scientists. Previously attempts have been made to establish a link between smoking and Mesothelioma. Researches, however, have proved that smoking can lead to lung cancer, but not Mesothelioma. Following the 1999 finding of the link between Mesothelioma and Asbestos, it has been established that about 85% of the diagnosed cases of Mesothelioma occur due to exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, Mesothelioma is the outcome of previous exposure to Asbestos. What happens is that the asbestos particles inhaled gets lodged into the mesothelium (the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs). Embedded in the mesothelium, the foreign mineral particles initially cause inflammation. Decades later, the affected areas develop malignant tumors and cancerous growths. (Exceptions cannot be ruled out as has been proved in the cases of World Trade Center Mesothelioma victims. It is being conjectured that the high concentrations of Asbestos has been the reason behind their early demise, otherwise Mesothelioma has a long latency period and manifests itself after 20 to 50 years).
Mesothelioma is classified under three heads – Pleural, Pericardium and Peritoneum – depending on the place of origin (i.e. where the disease first strikes). In most cases, it originates in the pleura, which is the outer lining of the lungs and the chest cavity. However, the disease may also start in the pericardium, which is a sac surrounding the heart or in the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Know More About Asbestos – The Culprit
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes with excellent heat shielding and insulating properties. No wonder the mineral has been widely used in a variety of products like gaskets, insulation, drywall tape, floor and ceiling tiles as well as in automotive products, such as shoes, brake pads and clutch plates.
Asbestos is not dangerous at all as long as it is left undisturbed; it gets dangerous, poses a health threat when it is damaged and becomes ‘friable’ – soft and light. It is then that the airborne particles are inhaled more easily. Once inhaled, the harmful asbestos fibers cannot be expelled; they get embedded into the linings and trigger inflammation. As said, later on cancerous developments are also noticed in the affected areas.
Avoiding The Asbestos Mesothelioma Cause
The above discussion leaves no hint of doubt that Asbestos, exposure to Asbestos is chiefly responsible for Mesothelioma and avoiding direct contact with asbestos (rather inhalation of Asbestos) is the only way to be safe from the clutches of this malignant cancer.
As such, ones working with asbestos that has been torn, cut, sanded, crushed or manipulated are at a higher risk of developing Mesothelioma for having inhaled the harmful fibers. Here, however, it will be important to stress that it is not just the people working with asbestos-based articles who contract the disease; people engaged in washing the clothes of those who work with asbestos or even the use of asbestos cement products during the renovation of the home could lead to Mesothelioma.
Asbestos has been banned by many countries after the US government came up with warnings in the mid-1970s stating the risks of asbestos. Thereafter employers started to give their workers protective gear, which was essential to keep the deadly disease at bay. Protective gear must be used by the pipe fitters, ship fitters, plumbers, boilermakers, welders, electricians, bricklayers, grinders, auto inspectors, iron workers, railroad workers, power plant workers, auto mechanics and other professionals who jobs essentially revolve round direct exposure to asbestos.
