Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest cavity) has been linked to exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos can cause serious health problems when asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled.
Long term exposure to asbestos, or exposure to higher concentration of asbestos, results in an increased
risk of asbestos-related illness.
Other health problems caused by asbestos include other forms of cancer, asbestosis (scarring of the lungs
that restricts breathing) and silicosis.
Asbestos has been used for insulation and fireproofing of homes in products including pipes, shingles,
siding, rollboard, millboard and textured paints. Many asbestos products have been banned by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
Over 27 million workers were exposed to asbestos during their employment at various organizations between
1940 and 1980. Many construction workers are still exposed to asbestos due to renovations, demolitions,
and asbestos removal. People who worked in manufacturing textiles, insulation products, and automotive
brake and clutch repair work were also exposed to asbestos and are at an increased risk of developing
mesothelioma.
People who live in homes built before 1970 or who work in an industry that has used asbestos may be at risk for mesothelioma. If you are concerned about asbestos levels in your home, contact a professional to discuss your options.
Mesothelioma Articles
MESOTHELIOMA Jan-12-07: Many Mesothelioma victims won't even
know what caused their death because, unlike tobacco, they didn't know what they were exposed to; the
time between exposure and the onset of illness is usually longer than ten years.
News Stories about Mesothelioma
[ ASBESTOS
Bill progress: Seatle PI ]
JUL-31-07: A bill to ban asbestos from common products passed the Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee by a 19-0 vote. The bill will also provide 50 million dollars for research into
the causes and treatments of asbestos-related cancers.
[ MESOTHELIOMA: PressZoom ] Mar-26-07: EPA announces it has reached a settlement with a San Francisco building owner for violating federal regulations governing asbestos removal from buildings. Asbestos presents serious risks to human health and can result in mesothelioma and lung cancer.
[ MESOTHELIOMA: Evening Mail ] Jan-11-07: Two shipyard workers died after breathing in asbestos at work, a coroner has ruled. Both died of mesothelioma last year, a disease linked to inhaling asbestos.