The Latest Health News Extracts

We Show The Way, You Find All Info Easily!

Asbestos Lung Cancer

The Latest Health Extracts From The World Of Research Via The Web

Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers or dust and primarily strikes persons who worked with asbestos products. It is a type of lung cancer that takes many years to develop and produce symptoms. 43

Another variation of lung cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos and this is a cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer can affect the lungs, the heart, or the abdominal organs. The most common variation is that which affects the lungs, and this is known as pleural mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer affects the membrane cells and can affect those that have experienced long term or high level exposure to asbestos. 47

OSHA has stated that: “Of all the diseases caused by asbestos, lung cancer constitutes the greatest health risk for American asbestos workers. Lung cancer has been responsible for more than half of the excess mortality from asbestos exposure in some occupational cohorts.” See Federal Register, Vol. Friday, June 20, 1986, Rules and regulations, pg. 22615. Experienced asbestos lung cancer attorneys often cite or refer to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) publications in work related asbestos cancer lawsuits. 22

The connection between asbestos exposure and lung cancer was noted as early as 1925, and confirmed over the next 70 years by many epidemiologic studies of asbestos-exposed workers. The four main types of commercially used asbestos, chrysotile, amosite, anthophyllite, and mixtures containing crocidolite, have all been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. About one in seven people who suffer from asbestosis, a lung disease resulting from exposure to asbestos, eventually develop lung cancer. 8

There is a relationship between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure in causing lung cancer. Individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos who smoke face a much higher risk than those who do not smoke. According to the National Cancer Institute, evidence suggests that asbestos-exposed workers who quit smoking can reduce their risk of developing lung cancer by 50% within five years of quitting. 8

The time between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of lung cancer is often 20 to 30 years or more. It should be noted that there is a multiplying effect between smoking and asbestos exposure, which creates an extreme susceptibility to lung cancer. 15

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs (including the gastro-intestinal tract). Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma are: shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or side of the chest, coughing, and weight loss. Mesothelioma is the most insidious of the asbestos-related diseases in that it can affect people who have experienced low or intermittent levels of asbestos exposure. 15

Asbestos exposure combined with smoking greatly multiplies the risk of developing lung cancer. If you inhale both these substances, you run a greater risk of disease than if you were exposed to either substance alone. Because the likelihood of contracting lung cancer is dose–dependent, every exposure to these deadly substances increases your disease potential. 28

In recent years trade unions have taken an increasingly active role in rallying for the rights of workers who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos on-the-job. They have been instrumental in exposing big industry asbestos cover-ups, participated in shaping asbestos legislation and created an information resource for mesothelioma treatment options. 46

“Increased risk of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure in non-smokers is very low. There appears to be no relationship between smoking habits and the incidence of mesothelioma” (Ross 1981, p.306). “Analysis shows a positive correlation between lung cancer and mesothelioma mortality. Individuals who did not come into contact with crocidolite have very low mesothelioma mortality” (Ross 1981, p.311). “There is no question that those exposed to heavy concentrations of chrysotile and anthophyllite dust over long periods of time have suffered a significant excess mortality due to lung cancer and asbestosis–but not to mesothelioma. For men exposed for over 20 years [to] low and medium dust [concentrations], there was a slight excess of risk for lung cancer” (Ross 1981, p.313). 36

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney. 35

“Of the six forms of asbestos, only four have been used to any significant degree in commerce. These are amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, and chrysotile” (Ross 1981, p.316). “Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to chrysotile, anthophyllite, amosite, and crocidolite asbestos; however, increased risk of this disease is probably found only in those who smoke cigarettes. Asbestosis is also caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to all four forms of asbestos. Mesothelioma is caused principally by exposure to crocidolite asbestos. There is good evidence that anthophyllite and chrysotile asbestos do not cause any significant increase in mesothelioma mortality, even after heavy exposure for many years” (Ross 1981, p.317). 36

The information on this website is presented by MIRG.org and is for informational purposes only. It is not guaranteed to be completely up-to-date or accurate. No particular course, or type of treatment for any person is suggested. All persons are advised to consult with a medical doctor concerning treatment of mesothelioma or any illness. 8

Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term disease of the lungs. An asbestosis diagnosis isn’t cancer. Inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate and inflame lung tissues, causing the lung tissues to scar, causes asbestosis. The scarring makes it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through the lungs. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly. The latency period for the onset of a confirmed asbestosis diagnosis is typically 10-20 years after the initial exposure. The disease can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to disabling and potentially fatal. 42

Steve S. had a job back in the 1980s removing asbestos from a huge General Electric plant. Now, his chronic cough is getting so bad that his doctor wants Steve to have lung tests next week. What really worries Steve is that his uncle has been diagnosed with mesothelioma?a form of cancer that is directly linked to asbestos exposure — and their symptoms are identical. 21

The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.

Important posts in Cancer Related

comments

Leave a Reply