The main factor responsible for contracting mesothelioma is working with asbestos. About 70 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases have a history of asbestos exposure behind them. In spite of this, there have been a few cases of this malicious cancer, where asbestos exposure was not involved. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral as masses of flexible fibers which can be separated into fine threads and woven. There are many industrial products which make use of asbestos like, cement, brake linings, flooring products, roof shingles, textiles and insulation. Thus asbestos mesothelioma becomes a serious health hazard to many workers.

During the process of manufacturing, these asbestos particles get scattered in the air. Serious health hazards take place in the workers when they inhale or swallow them unknowingly. It is also found that asbestos exposure coupled with smoking increases the risk of getting affected by the cancer. There have been millions of American workers who have been exposed to the material since early’40s. The workers include those who are in the asbestos mines and mills, shipyard industry, heating and construction industries etc.

As the exposure to asbestos increases, the risk of asbestos related diseases also increases. Since the late’00s, asbestos has been mined and put to commercial purposes. In the beginning, people were not aware about the risks involved in asbestos. Once the connection between asbestos mesothelioma and asbestos was discovered, many welfare measures and laws in this regard came into existence. Now there is a limit set for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the factories.

The malicious particles have not even spared the family members and others living with asbestos workers. These people become the hapless victims of asbestos particles brought home by the workers on the clothing and hair. Now the welfare measures adopted for the workers include bathing and change of dress at the work place.

Asbestos mesothelioma diagnosis is a difficult issue since the symptoms are noticeable after many years of exposure. Also, these symptoms are similar with those of many other diseases. These prove to be the main obstacles in detecting the disease at early stages. However, the advancement in medical technology has given victims many options of treatment though a complete cure is yet to materialize.

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