What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lungs, abdomen, and/or heart. It develops after someone is exposed to the mineral asbestos. It is estimated that around 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. However, many people how have the disease are not even aware of it because the symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to manifest. Though there is no cure for mesothelioma, if it is caught early, medical treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be able to slow down the progression of the disease to a manageable level. Yet, because many victims do not catch the cancer in time, mesothelioma ends up being fatal.
How Asbestos Contributes to Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos usually happens at the workplace, especially workplaces like construction sites, shipyards, and places where automotive equipment production occurs. However, asbestos can be present anywhere, as it was once a popular material used in the building of homes, offices, ships, and piping. When intact, asbestos doesn’t pose a threat to those who are around it. Yet, when the mineral is disturbed, its fibers become airborne and those who breathe them in can develop mesothelioma.
If asbestos is present in a building, vessel, or any workplace area, employers or those responsible for the management of the location should let it be known. They should also prevent anyone from coming into contact with asbestos by sectioning off dangerous areas where the mineral is located, or provide workers with special safety equipment that will ensure they do not breathe in the fibers. If this doesn’t happen, responsible parties may be fined and sued by victims and the loved ones of those who have acquired mesothelioma cancer as a result.
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