Asbestosis and Other Asbestos Related Ailments
Asbestos, a naturally produced structure, is well-known for its inherent heat and fire retardant abilities. From the time these inherent properties were discovered, asbestos has been viewed as a miracle mineral, beneficial for almost every aspect of life. Inexpensive, easily mined, very portable, weighing practically nothing, and in endless supply, it was truly seen as a benefit to society.
By the mid 1900’s, asbestos was found in just about every U.S structure. It was also included in countless household products such as appliances, paints, and dozens of commonly used items. Everyone had asbestos in their kitchen in the form of oven mitts, aprons, or ironing board covers. Probably every person was exposed to asbestos in one form or another. The asbestos was always “encapsulated”, meaning sealed or covered, and thus not harmful. However, should a slight tear or break have occurred in the encapsulation, microscopic asbestos fibers could have escaped and been carried anywhere. Once inhaled or swallowed, these tiny particles were wedged within the soft fibers of the lungs, stomach, or other organs, where they remained for decades. By that point, irritation is underway and setting up the basis for diseases such as asbestosis and mesotheliemo.
Asbestosis is a serious disease affecting the respiratory functions of the victim, but it is not considered malignant. Mesotheliemo, however, is malignant, and it is also is caused by exposure to asbestos. However, both diseases are considered very serious and affecting the vital respiratory organs. Exposure to high levels of asbestos has also been linked to other forms of cancer as well, such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, throat cancer, and possibly even others that are less common.
That is due to the asbestos fibers’ sharp, pointed ends; they cause it to become “stuck” within tissue. Therefore, they cannot be pushed out by the body’s natural elimination processes and are too small to show up of diagnostic tests. As years pass, the irritation increases; eventually the body rebels and disease develops. Through medical tests, it has been found that almost 95% of those exposed to asbestos do not acquire any disease. Equally mystifying, others are diagnosed with either asbestosis or a form of cancer after just a brief exposure. Thus, researchers speculate that some individuals are predisposed to cancer. Research finding smokers being more vulnerable to mesotheliemo in particular is inconclusive. However, it does appear that there are more incidents of reported asbestos-related diseases around chemical plants, mines, power plants, refineries, steel mills, and shipbuilding sites. This is due to air pollution, and workers’ family members’ breathing in fibers carried on workers’ clothing.
Although governmental records regarding annual deaths associated with mesotheliemo and asbestosis has not been totally complete. But basically, asbestos-related deaths have on the rise, with an increase of 340% for asbestosis cases alone.
Combining asbestosis, mesotheliemo, and various related cancer deaths associated with asbestos, it is estimated that there have been over 234,000 since record keeping began. Current estimates predict 7000 deaths related to asbestos a year by 2015, allowing for the 40-50 year dormancy period of these diseases. Even more shocking is the knowledge that there still is not a total ban on asbestos. In fact, it is still present in existing industries, materials and building structures. Millions continue to face exposure to toxic asbestos in insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing. Therefore, any resulting diseases may not show up for decades. Although the Occupational Health and Safety Administration adopted stricter asbestos exposure limits in 1994, in 1999, it was found that asbestos air levels in mines were worse than before 1980. Hopefully, this has been rectified in the last decade.
Sadly, though, recent safeguards and outright bans on asbestos products do not help those whose lives have been forever changed by exposure to asbestos. Those who were affected by exposure must obtain professional medical and legal care as soon as possible. There are several options, and the asbestos victim owes it to himself and his family to obtain the very best. Regardless of the type of asbestos disease acquired, it is clearly not the fault of the victim. Every path must be pursued in both medical and legal avenues.
