Facts About Mesothelioma and Asbestos – Exposure to asbestos is the most common causes of mesothelioma. Almost all cases of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural mineral mined from rock found in many countries around the world. It is made of tiny fibers as strong as steel, fabrics such as cotton and is highly resistant to heat, chemicals and electricity.
The first definitive relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos was made in the 1960s. At that time, asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of insulating materials such as insulation boards and building materials, including cement.
When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it releases small fibers, almost invisible to the naked eye, which, when air can take a deep breath, and can not be breathed or coughed out. After the fibers are in the lungs, the body’s defense mechanisms try to break them down and remove them, which causes inflammation in lung tissue.
Asbestos fibers can penetrate the lung tissue to settle in the pleura (the lining around the lungs). For years, they can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma or other lung disease to develop. Asbestos fibers also can be swallowed, and some of the fibers to be filed in the digestive system. They will then move to the membrane lining the abdomen (peritoneum), where they cause inflammation. (more…)
Each year, 3,000 cases of 