Asbestos and Cancer

Article written by Rob Stone

Lung Mesothelioma Cancer is one of the worst variations of cancer to have with there being no cure to date of this terminal disease. Asbestos Cancer as it is more commonly known usually occurs many years after exposure to this natural occurring material. Asbestos itself has been used it many homes throughout the world until it was discovered the material was the cause of many fatalities.

Over the years Asbestos has been used in the home, it has been incorporated into many different parts of the home. This started with the mining of Asbestos in the 1940’s until in the 1970’s it became apparent of the danger of Asbestos and how it affects the human body.

There are three types of Mesothelioma Cancer with Pleural Mesothelioma being the most common. This variation occurs in the chest cavity and can also incorporate the lungs as it spreads. Once diagnosis has been made, the survival rate of this severe cancer is just 17 months with prognosis often being achieved well into the illness, which could have shown different symptoms before a patient sees a doctor.

One of these and witnessed by personal experience within the family was the origination of a member of the family having difficulty breathing on one side. This at the time was diagnosed as water on the lungs and took several weeks to find the answer which was Pleural Mesothelioma. The person concerned unfortunatly only had 5 months to live with the only known occasion of being in contact with Asbestos was 30 years before for just two days while working in a warehouse loading bags of Asbestos onto a lorry.

This shows the serious implications of Asbestos with many companies now realising the effect this can have on both the personal and business side of our human population. The increase of court cases over the last few years has shown how Asbestos Cancer can take many years to become apparent (usually 20 to 50 years).

Scarily enough, there is still a huge amount of Asbestos in the modern home and will remain there until it has a need to be removed such as a house renovation. Until then, it has been advised by many to leave it where it is as it is only when the fibres of the material as disturbed and become air born that danger is apparent.

In many countries such as a the United Kingdom, specialised companies are now available and specialise in the removal of Asbestos with both protective clothing and face masks being used in this very important task to be performed. If you think you have Asbestos in your home when making alterations to your home, seek professional advice before moving any part of your home from pipes to insulation.

Rob Stone writes a range of articles from Health and Fitness to Interior Design and Furniture such as Painted Pine Wardrobes.