Asbestos | What Asbestos looks like | Asbestos Exposure - Mesothelioma

What is Asbestos

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which occurs naturally. Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals used in physical properties. All these abestos minerals have eponymous, asbestiform habit, long thin fibrous crystals in common. Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat, fire, electricity and chemical damage. Because of this resistant nature abestos is used in electrical insulation, building insulation, the fibers are mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats.

Mesothelioma cause - Asbestos

The Major cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to Asbestos. In the United States, most of the individuals work closely with asbestos and are affected by the Mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma can also be caused by irradiation, intrapleural thorium dioxide and inhalation of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite.

Mesothelioma can be caused by short duration of exposure to asbestos. The duration can be around 1 to 3 months. However, individuals may not aware of the disease developing in them and is identified after 20 to 50 years of exposure. People who work with asbestos should wear protective equipment to lower the risk of exposure.

Environmental Exposures:

People who live nearby naturally occurring asbestos or asbestos manufacturing industries are more likely to be affected by the Mesothelioma. The presence of asbestos fibers in water supplies and foods can also become the cause of Mesothelioma.

Occupation:

Asbestos is widely used in industrial products like cement, brake linings, gaskets, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation. People who work in these industries are more likely to develop Mesothelioma. Epidemiological studies have shown that occupational exposure to asbestos develops diseases like pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis, carcinoma of the lung and larynx, gastrointestinal tumors, and diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum.

Secondary exposure

Family members who live with asbestos workers have a high risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. Family members can be exposed to asbestos dust on clothes, hair, body of asbestos workers.

Asbestos in buildings

Individuals who live in the buildings which have asbestos materials are likely to get Mesothelioma. However the usages of asbestos in buildings are banned.