Overexposure to asbestos is the major factor which is responsible for contracting mesothelioma. Of all of the reported mesothelioma cases, about 70-80 percent has a history of asbestos exposure. At the same time, one or two other cases have been reported where asbestos wasn’t at concerned. Asbestos is a mineral occurring in nature as masses of flexible fibers and it can be separated into fine threads and woven. It is widely put to commercial use for producing cement, flooring products, brake linings, roof shingles, insulation products and textiles. Due to its widespread use, a number of workers have been influenced by asbestos mesothelioma.
During the process of manufacturing, these asbestos particles get scattered in the air. Serious health hazards take place in the workers when they inhale or swallow them unknowingly. It is also found that asbestos exposure coupled with smoking increases the risk of getting affected by the cancer. There have been millions of American workers who have been exposed to the material since early 1940s. The workers include those who are in the asbestos mines and mills, shipyard industry, heating and construction industries etc.
As the exposure to asbestos increases, the risk of asbestos related diseases also increases. Since the late 1800s, asbestos has been mined and put to commercial purposes. In the beginning, people were not aware about the risks involved in asbestos. Once the connection between asbestos mesothelioma and asbestos was discovered, many welfare measures and laws in this regard came into existence. Now there is a limit set for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the factories.
The cancer is so malicious that it does not even spare the family members. Asbestos particles stick to the hair and clothing of workers thereby exposing the relatives also to them. In order to avoid this, rules have been formulated for the workers to have a bath and change of cloth before heading home.
Diagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma is really difficult as the indications of the disease appear terribly late. The resemblance of the symptoms with those of other illnesses also prove and difficulty in the path of early diagnosis. Improvement in medical technology has given rise to many treatment alternatives for the victims, though a complete cure is not materialized so far.






















