Asbestos Exposure
The sad truth about mesothelioma is that many cases could have been avoided had we been aware of the cancerous qualities that asbestos possessed. Asbestos was used for many years in the industrial world, while many worked within proximity of the material and are now suffering the consequences. However, the relationship between exposure and health complications has been on record since ancient times, when slaves who worked in asbestos mines were devalued because of a short life expectancy. Unfortunately its use did not stop there.
Asbestos became an integral aspect of the shipping and transport industry and was used in a number of other capacities. Asbestos would line the interior of rail cars, boilers, and other industrial fixtures that required insulation. Among the more common exposure areas were aboard ships and shipyards, where asbestos was used to insulate hulls, electrical, and plumbing fixtures. While many of those who encountered asbestos on a casual basis were not affected, those who repaired and modified ships or other fixtures were often exposed to harmful levels of asbestos, many of who are today battling asbestos related disease.
In the late 1970's, Congress eventually woke up to the silent killer that was asbestos and placed a general ban upon its use. Unfortunately, the material was still intact in a number of existing industrial capacities and people continued to be needlessly exposed. Those who repaired or modified older fixtures were still encountering the dangerous material, many of whom not even aware of the material they were working with.
Asbestos is unique in that it will sit in a body for a long period of time before producing symptoms of a respiratory-related illness, leaving many to disregard the symptoms of the disease as something other than the pre-cursors to potentially life threatening illness. It is important for all of those who have an occupational history involving asbestos use that they consult with a physician about a potentially dangerous exposure. Patients should also be particularly mindful to share details of their work history which may have included asbestos exposure. It is important that not only those who know they worked with asbestos, but also those who think they may have encountered asbestos, share this with a physician as well. Early detection of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illness is the most important key to accessing preferred treatments.
