Nearly every case of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are extremely small and may be breathed in once in the air. When a person inhales asbestos fibers, they can stay trapped in the lungs. These fibers may also be transmitted throughout the body to the membrane lining the lungs, or pleura, to other organs, or to the lymph system.
Once inhaled asbestos irritates the system and can lead to mesothelioma, or other asbestos diseases such as asbestosis and asbestos pleural disease. The asbestos fibers can also be swallowed, which some medical researchers associate with peritoneal, or stomach, mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure and Development of Mesothelioma
The time it takes from the first exposure to asbestos to lead to a diagnosis of mesothelioma, also called the latency period, could be anywhere from 20 to 40 years or more. Since the asbestos particles remain in the lungs or chest cavity throughout life, the risk of developing asbestos disease will never completely go away.
In addition, there exists no known safe level of exposure to asbestos, since even the smallest amount may cause the disease.
Workers, Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
People working in industries such as building maintenance, construction, shipbuilding, railroad and automotive who have experienced asbestos exposure are at a high risk for developing mesothelioma.
Even the smallest exposure to asbestos will increase the chance of contracting mesothelioma. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos are at risk, too, due to contact with asbestos dust brought into their homes on workers' clothes, shoes, hair or skin
It used to be that exposure to asbestos mainly occurred in a work setting where asbestos was used in different products and applications. Now, people face potential exposure to asbestos in schools, homes and public buildings where products containing asbestos products have aged, fallen into disrepair or become damaged.
For anyone who believes that they or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, it is important to learn about the diagnosing of symptoms of mesothelioma. Also, if they believe they have been exposed due to negligence, they should contact a lawyer specializing in mesothelioma cases to find out about their legal rights. |
