trying to educate the public on the definition and effects of mesothelioma,
it is unfortunate that there still exist a large majority of the local
population in trying to comprehend such efforts. With this article, I hope
that certain facts can be spelt out much more clearly in as simple
terminology as possible.
To start off, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant or
cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers
most of our body’s internal organs. At present, statistics have proven that a
majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma, have had first contact with
materials known as asbestos, in the course of their work or exposure.
Mesothelioma (or cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of
the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. The
known effect is that invasion and damage to nearby tissues and organs can
occur. The cancer cells can also spread from their original location to other
parts of the body. And very often, mesothelioma begins in the pleura or
peritoneum. The pleura is the membrane that typically surrounds the lungs and
lines the wall of the chest cavity, while the peritoneum is the tissue that
covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. In addition, the
pericardium covers and protects the heart, while the tissue surrounding the
male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. For
the female, this will be known as the tunica serosa uteri.
While it has been reported specifically in the United States alone that the
occurrence of mesothelioma has been at a rate of 2000 cases per year in the
last 20 years, there maybe more unreported cases that have gone undetected
and therefore, not captured within official records. Typically, mesothelioma
affects mainly the male gender, but although (as mentioned above) this form
of cancer has affected mainly those in direct contact with asbestos material
in the course of their work, there have also been occurrences to those who
have had no direct exposure to asbestos.
Before we go on further, we need to be clear on where asbestos comes from.
Essentially, asbestos refers to a group of minerals that occur naturally as
masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and
woven. Asbestos is often found in construction related materials such as
cement, roofing materials, flooring products, etc. How asbestos gets into the
human system, is when during the manufacturing process, where there is no
strict control on the handling process, the particles generated from asbestos
will float in the air and maybe inhaled by individuals, thus causing serious
health problems. This therefore gives rise to other forms of cancer and one
of them, mesothelioma.
Historically, mesothelioma was discovered particularly after the World War
Two, as part of the industrialization process and increased war efforts.
Millions of Americans were believed to have been exposed to asbestos dust
particles in their course of work. And when these folks return home to their
loved ones, it is believed that the dust particles which had remained on
their work attires were subsequently inhaled by their family members, thus
creating a form of “cross contamination” effect. While the occupational
safety and health act today has restricted the amount of asbestos workers can
be exposed to, the risk has obviously not been fully mitigated and the
occurrence of mesothelioma is still possible.
To minimize exposure as well as cross contamination, workers in such
industries should change out before leaving their workstations and showering.
This concept is similar to exposure during a chemical fallout where the
process of decontamination is deployed.
For more information, do visit our resource link.
Article Source: http://articlestoreprint.com
Information about the Author: Gary is currently in the homeland security industry and has come across occupational hazards within specific industries. For more information, visit: www.bizenginesite.com/lawyers
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