Malignant Mesothelioma Causes
More than 50 percent of all confirmed cases of malignant mesothelioma have been linked with asbestos exposure. Studies suggest that smokers faced with asbestos exposure are 55 times more likely to develop the incurable disease. While the possibility of other mesothelioma causes has not been ruled out, none have yet been linked with the rare cancer.
The unique manner in which mesothelioma develops makes it difficult to determine the exact percentage of people who have the disease as a result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a latent form of cancer, meaning that it can take years to fully develop and become symptomatic. This latency can make it incredibly difficult to establish a causative link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, especially in cases where the victim is unaware of the exposure.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic clusters that can become airborne if disturbed. Because asbestos is a carcinogen, airborne asbestos fibers pose a serious health hazard. People who are subjected to prolonged asbestos exposure face a significant risk of developing a variety of conditions, including fibrosis, asbestosis, asbestos lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
The process that leads to the development of mesothelioma typically begins when a person inhales asbestos microfibers. These fibers become embedded in lung tissue where their durability allows them to remain for years. The body’s immune defenses attempt to eliminate the harmful foreign materials by releasing a type of white blood cells called macrophages. Normally, macrophages ingest and remove foreign materials, preventing further damage. Unfortunately, the durability of asbestos fibers renders macrophages ineffective. Unaware of this, the immune system continues to release macrophages; this often causes further damage in the form of fibrotic scarring of the lung tissue and an associated reduction in lung capacity.
Eventually, the presence of carcinogenic asbestos in the body leads to the development of asbestos cancer, malignant mesothelioma and/or a host of other health problems.
Tracing Mesothelioma to its Source: Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibers are strong, flexible and fire resistant. These properties make asbestos an excellent insulator, which is why it was used extensively in building materials and commercial products. The use of asbestos was curbed following regulation of the mineral in the 1970s.
Studies suggest that more than 8 million Americans have been exposed to some form of asbestos in the work place. In fact, occupational asbestos exposure is the most common asbestos-linked cause of malignant mesothelioma. Prior to asbestos regulation, factory workers, construction workers, dock workers, asbestos miners and workers in other industries faced the risk of occupational asbestos exposure.
The families of workers exposed to asbestos also faced a significant risk of exposure. The durability of asbestos is such that workers would often carry the fibers home with them on their skin, clothes and/or hair. Over the years, this type of secondary occupational asbestos exposure caused a significant number of indirect asbestos injuries. As a result, when a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a detailed family history must be conducted in order to determine where the exposure to asbestos occurred.
More About Asbestos
There are six members of the asbestos family: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite and chrysotile. Amosite and chrysotile asbestos were the two most common types used in building materials.
Although asbestos has been linked with serious health conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma, the mineral does not always pose an immediate hazard. It is only when asbestos or asbestos-containing materials are disturbed that they release fibrous particles into the air. Airborne asbestos poses the real health risk.
Asbestos regulation has inhibited the production and use of asbestos-laden products. While this has stopped any further spread of asbestos materials, it has done little to curb the effects of those still in circulation. Asbestos was an extremely common insulation used in construction. Thousands upon thousands of buildings and homes throughout the country are still rife with asbestos materials. This does not pose a direct threat, except when the asbestos is disturbed, in which case it can result in hazardous exposure.
Asbestos removal services specialize in the handling of disturbed asbestos. Removal is a hazard in itself, as it releases large amounts of asbestos fibers into the air. Specialists recommend that asbestos be removed only as a last resort. Repair is recommended if the source of disruption can be contained.
Our attorneys are gifted California mesothelioma attorneys who have filed a number of mesothelioma lawsuits in California and across the country. These lawsuits have helped our clients to receive compensation for the devastating illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
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