Getting more information about mesothelioma
Since the EPA ban on asbestos, widespread public concern about the hazards of asbestos have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos. Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 719,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 9,000 metric tons by 2002. Asbestos is currently used most frequently in gaskets and in roofing and friction products.
Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos
Asbestos exposure is a well-known risk factor in the development of mesothelioma. But what is asbestos? It is a common form of magnesium silicate which was used in various construction products due to it's stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing or construction since inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers over a period of years was found to be a dangerous carcinogen. The FDA banned asbestos in certain applications in 1989.
Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distrubuted. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers have not agreed on what constitutes a "safe level" of exposure, but the dangers of prolonged exposure are well known, and increase over time.
Risks of asbestos exposure
In addition to mesothelioma, another health problem caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis. This is a lung disease that was first found in naval shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in thye lunk tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by secreting an acid. This acid is unable to affect the fiber, due to its high chmical resistance. But the surrounding tissue can become scarred. Over time, this scarring can become so severe that the lungs cannot function. Generally, a case of asbestosis takes between 25 to 40 years to fully develop.