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Mesothelioma faq (risk factors, asbestos, smoking cause, USA)
By | July 6, 2007
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
The main risk factor is working with asbestos. 70 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases have been reported to be associated with asbestos.
But some mesothelioma patients have also reported not having anything to do with asbestos, or its exposure.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name of a mineral group that naturally occurs as masses of flexible strong fibers whch can be separated into thin threads and woven.
Asbestos was widely used in several industries, and products such as cement, roof shingles, brake lining, floor materials, insulators, and textiles. There are usually particles of asbestos carried in the air around these industries, and when they are swallowed or inhaled, can result into serious health issues. Other cancers can also be caused in addition to mesothelioma cancers. These cancers include asbestosis, and cancers of the larynx and kidney.
Does smoking cause mesothelioma?
It has not be proven that smoking increase mesothelioma risk in mesothelioma patients, however, the combination of exposure to asbestos, and smoking may possibly increase the risks of developing certain lung cancers, and mesothelioma cancers.
Who has an increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
In the 1800s, the use of asbestos was commercial. It was used significantly during the World War II. At first, the dangers of asbestos was not known.
Those working in shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, heating and construction factories, and other places have shown an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put acceptable level limits for asbestos exposure in a place of work. Workers of asbestos now put on protective clothings in order to reduce exposure risks, and also reducing mesothelioma cases.
You are at a risk of an asbestos-associated cancer if you have worked with an asbestos factory or industry.
How many people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Annually, about 10,000 people worldwide (and 3,000 in the U.S. only) are discovered to have mesothelioma cancers thereby becoming mesothelioma patients, or other asbestos-associated cancers.
How many people in the U.S. have been exposed to asbestos?
About 8 million and above people have been exposed, and there are still many mesothelioma cases out there.
Topics: Mesothelioma faq |
August 13th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Great Info! I found a simple tool to check whether you are at risk of mesothelioma or not. check it yourself
http://www.mesoblog.org/risk-calculator.php
August 13th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Yes, the information provided here to are to help you get over any mesothelioma cancer.
These informations includes treatment options, diagnosis, and others.
I also followed the link, and that’s a good test information for patients