Asbestos - Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the ground and mined all over the world. It is so small it can only be identified under a microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to various products such as insulation to increase fire resistant properties. Asbestos exposure, especially of an extended duration, has been linked to mesothelioma and other health problems, including lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects cells in the lining of the chest and abdomen. The tissues in these areas are called the mesothelium, and they produce a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move easily and without irritation or injury in the torso cavity.

Asbestos fibers attach themselves to the lining of the lungs or other parts of the respiratory tract and remain there indefinitely. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is airborne. The fibers are small and light and can stay afloat for a long time and can travel great distances from their source. Since asbestos fibers are microscopic and airborne, people can breathe in asbestos fibers for many years without realizing it. Workers in environments in which construction materials, especially insulation, are handled are at greatest risk. Starting in the 1940s, workers, unaware of the danger, regularly handled and were exposed to large amounts of asbestos, often for long durations. Trades that involved especially high levels of exposure included asbestos production related fields like mining, milling, asbestos tile manufacture, and the manufacture of products that used asbestos. Other industries with high levels of possible exposure included shipbuilding, construction, car repair, and any form of demolition. Today, worker's exposure to asbestos has been reduced due to government regulations. Still, however, demolition workers are at risk when they disturb antiquated materials that contain asbestos in older structures. It can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of an asbestos related disease to surface.

Critics have charged that asbestos manufacturers knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure many years before alerting the public of potential health risks. Despite the dangers associated with asbestos, the substance can still be found in thousands of products today. Because of its airborne mobility, its microscopic size and harmful properties, professional assistance is required to remove asbestos. There are professional abatement services that will remove asbestos from homes or other buildings. Asbestos is most harmful when the structure containing it is disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

Some observers contend that asbestos product liability lawsuits have resulted in over $100 billion in claims and bankrupted over 100 companies.

Wayne Walker is president of CapTran, the leader in litigation financial services. http://www.captran.com

© 2005 Capital Transaction Group Inc

---

Better Links Directory

Wittenoom Graveyard

Despite the known fact that Wittenoom is responsible for many... Read More

Lung Cancer Discoveries

There is a new way to treat lung cancer with... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware... Read More

Mesothelioma in the UK

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the external... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial tissues of... Read More

How to Tell if You Have Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma - Symptoms and SolutionsSymptoms of Mesothelioma can be latent... Read More

Lung Cancer: The Bad and the Worse

In terms of deaths caused by various forms of cancer,... Read More

Knee Deep in Asbestos

When I was 17 old I started working at an... Read More

Asbestos - Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the... Read More

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the pleura (the... Read More

Does It Pay to Get a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is... Read More

Is Replacing the Lungs the Answer to Lung Cancer?

Late stage lung cancers are some of the hardest to... Read More

Mesothelioma - Cancer that Strikes 40 Years Later

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant... Read More

Asbestos Litigation ? Some Basic Facts About The Process

When Should I Consult an Asbestos Attorney?If asbestos diseases have... Read More

What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't... Read More

Screening for Mesothelioma

Doctor appointments are critical to make sure you're staying in... Read More

L&S Announce Steps to Protect Against Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Lewis and Sholnick have announced the publication of some simple... Read More

What Are The Risk Factors For Mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma... Read More

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings of the heart,... Read More

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. The tissue lining the... Read More

Mesothelioma Book - Review

"Lean on Me" Cancer through a carer's eyes Lorraine Kember... Read More

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where... Read More

Coping With Cancer-A Family View

An often forgotten feature of dealing with cancer is what... Read More

Lung Cancer-Non-Smokers at Risk!

Most of us non-smokers feel we've got little to worry... Read More

Your Mesothelioma Case

Your Mesothelioma case is important to you. You have been... Read More