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Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals whose fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire. Asbestos fibers are long, thin and flexible, allowing them to be turned into cloth and used in many building and insulating products.

 

Asbestos exposure continues to be a health risk because it may still be contained in buildings and products that were built decades ago. Asbestos-containing products may still be in industrial facilities, buildings, ships, and other structures and products where the fibers can become airborne. Asbestos exposure and the inhalation of these fibers is the cause of malignant mesothelioma.

 

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung condition that is marked by chronic irritation and inflammation of the lungs. It is caused by asbestos exposure and inhaling fibers, this can precede the development of mesothelioma.

 

The body reacts to this asbestos exposure to the needle-like fibers by trying to rid the body of them. This often adds to the inflammation and extreme irritation of the lungs. Over time, a fibrosis (a thickening and scarring) develops that effectively reduces the ability of the lungs to properly breathe.

 

Asbestosis can exist without any symptoms for quite some time before it is finally detected. Symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing. As the disease progresses, the symptoms often worsen. In some cases, asbestosis can progress into malignant mesothelioma.

 

Products that Contain Asbestos

Most products that contain asbestos do so in order to retain heat-a concept known as thermal insulation. Most insulation materials produced prior to the mid-1970s contained a certain degree of asbestos. Countless products have, at one time or another, contained asbestos, including (but not limited to):

 

• Asbestos cement sheets or pipe products, asbestos cloth, products containing asbestos paper, and asbestos textile products, such as packing components.
• Insulating block, thermal seals, refractory and boiler insulation materials, packing materials, fireproofing spray, gaskets, joint compound, duct insulation for heating.
• Vinyl floor tile and ceiling tile.
• Adhesives, mastics, and coatings.
• Insulated electrical wire and panels, roofing materials, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Friction products, brake linings for commercial and industrial purposes such as automobiles, railroad cars, and airplanes.
• Heat and electrical wire insulation, industrial filters for beverages, small appliance components, and underlying material for sheet flooring.
• Heat- and fire-resistant clothing, fireproof draperies.

 

If you or someone you know has a health risk associated with asbestos exposure, contact an Asbestos Lawyer to learn your legal rights.

 

MESOTHELIOMA

Mesothelioma is an extremely dangerous form of lung cancer that derives from inhaling tiny airborne asbestos particles---often during the manufacturing process itself. Asbestos exposure is thought to be responsible for roughly 75% of all cases of mesothelioma. Those who worked in "at risk" industries during or before the 1970s often ingested harmful asbestos fibers that penetrated deep within the layers of the lungs. The body is unable to dispel the fibers, which eventually cause an inflammatory condition in the lungs (often referred to as asbestosis). This condition worsens and eventually forms a malignant (cancerous) tumor. These tumors are very difficult to rid the body of and are often fatal to their victims.

Those At Risks for Asbestosis and Mesothelioma

 

Malignant mesothelioma can develop up to 40 years after the initial asbestos exposure. The incidence of mesothelioma rises with the intensity and duration of asbestos exposure. Cases have been documented of mesothelioma among people with very little asbestos exposure. Many of those who are being diagnosed with mesothelioma today unknowingly experienced asbestos exposure many years ago.

Tradesmen who have a risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma include:

 

• Building and construction workers
• Insulators (also known as asbestos workers)
• Boilermakers who constructed boilers filled with insulation
• Plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters
• Plasterers
• Automobile workers
• Ship builders and shipyard workers
• Electricians and mechanics
• Bricklayers, millwrights, carpenters, etc.
• Steel workers and refinery and other industrial workers
• Maintenance workers and laborers

 

Mesothelioma Explained

A thin membrane, known as the mesothelium, covers many of the internal organs of the body. This thin membrane is comprised of two layers---one that surrounds the organ and another that forms an exterior sac around this. Between the layers of the mesothelium is a fluid that allows vital organs (the heart, lungs, etc.) to glide easily against objects that they have contacted.

The mesothelium of each organ carries a unique name. For instance, the mesothelium that surrounds many of the organs found in the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. The mesothelium surrounding the lungs and chest cavity wall is called the pleura. The pericardium covers and protects the heart.

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which the cells of the mesothelium begin to expand and divide without control. They can then invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. This condition is thought to be responsible for the resulting tumor that can form either around the lining of the lungs (pleura), the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Once a malignant tumor has formed, it is extremely difficult to expel from the body. Mesothelioma can destroy vital organs and, in many cases, is a fatal condition.

Each year, roughly 2,000 cases of mesothelioma develop in this country. Although mesothelioma is a rare condition that can develop in men and women, the incidence of the cancer is much greater for men (typically workplace related).

If you or someone you know has a health risk associated with asbestos exposure, contact an Asbestos Lawyer to learn your legal rights.

 

Types of Mesothelioma Caner

There are two different types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Normally, pleural mesothelioma can be diagnosed earlier than peritoneal.

 

1. Pleural Mesothelioma

Localized and benign pleural mesothelioma: This non-cancerous form of mesothelioma is typically not fatal, can often be completely removed via a surgical procedure, and may or may not be caused by asbestos exposure. (Mesothelioma is considered localized if the cancer is found only on the mesothelium where it originated. However, if it has spread to other parts of the body, for instance the lymph nodes lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs, then it is considered advanced.)

 

Diffuse and malignant pleural mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma is extremely dangerous and is often fatal. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium of the lungs and/or just inside the ribs. This cancer is due to long term exposure to one of the three types of harmful asbestos fibers mentioned in this site. As the tumor continues to grow, the pleural mesothelium becomes thicker-reducing the flexibility and effectively encasing the lungs. This, in turn, lowers the functionality of the lungs and effects breathing. As the cancer becomes more acute, it continues to reduce the victim's ability to breathe.

 

The continued growth of the tumor can affect surrounding tissues and areas, often times placing an ever-increasing pressure on the lungs. As well, the tumor can spread through the chest and cause significant pain and discomfort.

Unfortunately, up to 30 years can pass between the initial exposure to these asbestos fibers and the development of symptoms and/or a malignant tumor. Malignant pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly 3 out of 4 of every case reported.

 

There is currently no cure for malignant mesothelioma. For those who have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the outcome depends on numerous factors, including the size, location and how advanced the tumor is, as well as the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. The average time from diagnosis to succumbing to the cancer is one year.

 

2. Peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of the abdominal mesothelium. Researchers and doctors believe that abdominal mesothelioma develops when mucus within the trachea and bronchi trap the asbestos fibers, which are then swallowed. Some of these fibers imbed themselves in the intestinal wall and eventually make their way into the peritoneum. An alternative theory holds that asbestos fibers imbedded in the lungs move into the lymphatic system and then move on to the peritoneum. Similarly to pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous---caused by asbestos fibers).

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is quite similar to pleural mesothelioma, except that is occurs in the abdominal region. As the tumor expands, it creates pressure on the different areas of the abdomen, eventually leading to bowel obstruction and/or distention. The tumor can disrupt normal breathing if it moves upward in the abdominal. Of all cases of mesothelioma, roughly 1 in 5 is of this nature.

 

If you or someone you know has a health risk associated with asbestos exposure, contact an Asbestos Lawyer to learn your legal rights.