Asbestos is all around us. It is in the air we breathe, it is in the water we drink, it is even in the ground on which we walk. Most of us will not get sick from coming in contact with asbestos. Individuals who work in an environment exposed to asbestos for long periods of time may contract asbestos disease. However, there are cases where people who were less exposed to asbestos being diagnosed with Mesothelioma. There have even been cases where individuals working in proximity of asbestos brought it home to their families on their skin, clothes or in their hair. Individuals affected by asbestos exposure may not know they are ill for many years into the future, after they have been exposed.
The use of asbestos dates back to the 1800s. Continue reading
The symptoms of mesothelioma are often confused with many other conditions, and because the onset of symptoms can occur many years after exposure (sometimes 20 years, or even 30 to 50 years), there can be a delay in diagnosis or even seeking medical opinions.
The symptoms of the three types of mesothelioma will be covered here, as well as common symptoms seen in all types of mesothelioma.
The information contained here should not constitute a diagnosis. Only a doctor can determine whether symptoms are mesothelioma or something less serious such as pneumonia, flu or bronchitis.
Unfortunately, by the time the symptoms present and the patient has seen a doctor, Continue reading
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is contracted through exposure to a material known as asbestos.Asbestos is a material made up of minerals that have long, fibrous crystals. Asbestos became popular in the 1800s. Asbestos is resistant to chemicals, electricity and heat. It was mixed into cement and fabric had the material woven into it. Because it is resistant to heat, manufactures used it to make gaskets and brake shoes. Since it is a good insulator of electricity at high temperatures, it was often used in ovens and hotplates. Asbestos is strong and resistant to fire, so it was used in buildings for insulation, strength and flexibility. Since the 1980s, bans have been placed on the use of asbestos because it is incredibly toxic. Serious illnesses such as Mesothelioma can be caused from inhaling the fibers of asbestos.
You will probably remember it as it was frequently used during the 19th century as a very important piece of construction material due to it being able to withstand fire, electricity, and chemical hazards – so much so, that you probably used to spend time in school conducting experiments in the asbestos proofed chemical lab. Asbestos is now known mainly due to its affects on the health of those who have come into contact with it.
Asbestos is a mineral compound that has been widely used.
It is important to note that asbestos is not fire proof,
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