Why Was Asbestos Used?

Mesothelioma~Why Was Asbestos Used?

The primary reason that asbestos was used in building products was as a binder or filler material. It was cheap and easily available. It is stringy and resilient, and thus made a good binder. Its resilience also reduced the breakage of the products between the factory and the worksite. In pipe covering and other materials, asbestos created air pockets which provided heat resistance.

Asbestos was marketed for its "fire resistant" qualities. In reality, at approximately 1200 degrees, asbestos transforms into an inert mineral. Other materials were available, even in the 1930's and thereafter, that could have been used (and, in fact, were used) as substitutes for asbestos without any sacrifice in product integrity or heat resistance. The asbestos industry peddled asbestos as a "magic mineral," creating a demand for the material, without advising of the dangers of asbestos. As a result, thousands of American workers were injured and killed. It was unnecessary and could have been avoided.

Mesothelioma~Why Was Asbestos Used?

Exposed to Asbestos At Home

Mesothelioma~Exposed to Asbestos At Home

Unfortunately, with over 5,000 products containing asbestos, exposure is varied and difficult to pin-point. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can cause injuries. The dangers of asbestos in the home and the risks of developing mesothelioma generally occur due to renovation or repair work in the home (first hand exposure) or contact with individuals working with asbestos (second hand exposure).

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos, however those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, banged or damaged, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 15-30 years later.

There have been reported cases of family members developing mesothelioma due to contact with asbestos fibers carried home from at-risk work environments. Workers handling asbestos today must change clothes prior to leaving the workplace, but this was not always the case. Asbestos dust on boots and clothing carried the fibers home, exposing wives and children to asbestos. While mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in those with first hand exposure, there have been reported incidents where family members with second hand asbestos exposure have developed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma~Exposed to Asbestos At Home

Works have the highest risk for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma~Works have the highest risk for Mesothelioma

With an estimated 5,000 products that contain asbestos, asbestos is present in buildings, cars, factories, ships and houses. It is commonly accepted that the more you are exposed to asbestos, the more at risk you are of getting mesothelioma and lung cancer.

While many uses for asbestos were banned in the mid-1970’s, the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 10 to 50 years. Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were erected prior to the ban.

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

The following occupations present the highest risk for workers exposed to asbestos fibers:

* Pipe Coverers
* Navy Personnel
* Laborers
* Brake Mechanics
* Auto Mechanics
* Millwrights
* Painters
* Plasterers
* Merchant Marine Seamen
* Pipefitters
* Cement Finishers
* Foundry Workers
* Carpenters
* Plumbers
* Roofers
* Sailors
* Navy Yard Workers / Yardbirds
* Paperworkers
* Electricians
* Bricklayers
* Boilermakers
* Machinists
* Lathers
* Insulators
* Welders
* Sheetmetal Workers
* Crane Operators
* Aircraft Mechanics
* Engineers
* Steamfitters
* Masonry Workers
* Longshoremen
* Plantworkers
* Powerhouse Workers
* Railroad Workers
* Inspectors
* Maintenance Workers
* Papermill Workers
* Tapers

The following is a general list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency intended to show the types of materials containing asbestos. It does not include all products containing asbestos.


A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma. In other cases, the exposures vary and /or have not been investigated thoroughly. If you suffer from mesothelioma symptoms or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have legal rights that can help protect your future and family.

Scores of corporations that manufactured and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products knew the health hazards as early as the 1920's. During the same period, there were alternatives to asbestos available. Ignoring the deadly risks and repercussions associated with asbestos, corporations chose to sell and recklessly use it through the 1980's. These manufacturers did not advise workers of the dangers of asbestos and consequently, many Americans who have unnecessarily and tragically contracted mesothelioma.

If you worked in a high-risk industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or you have lost someone to an asbestos-related illness, it is your right to seek compensation from those responsible for your situation. While monetary compensation will not alleviate your pain, it will ease the burden of concerns such as medical bills, lost income, continued support for loved ones, and may aid in your situation in many other ways.

Mesothelioma~Works have the highest risk for Mesothelioma

What Types of Injuries Are Caused By Asbestos?

Mesothelioma~What Types of Injuries Are Caused By Asbestos?

When a person breathes asbestos, fibers can become lodged in the lungs. Once there, they can cause scarring. Asbestos fibers can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. The knowledge that asbestos can cause these fatal diseases has been known by many corporations since the 1920's.

The specific disease types associated with asbestos exposure include:

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. It is caused by asbestos exposure, it is not caused by smoking. It can occur 10 to 50 or more years after exposure.

Learn more about Mesothelioma:
Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment Options

Asbestosis
Asbestos can scar the lung and the lining of the lung. This scarring is known as asbestosis or interstitial fibrosis. If enough scarring occurs, it can impair the elasticity of the lungs and hamper their ability to exchange gases. As a result, there is inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. This impairment leads to shortness of breath. Over time, the breathing capacity can diminish and in some cases, become fatal.

Asbestosis, like other asbestos diseases, is a disease of latency -- it takes 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos for a person to become sick.

There is no known cure for asbestosis.

Lung Cancer
Asbestos also causes lung cancer. A person who does not smoke can get lung cancer from being to exposed to asbestos. If you smoked in the past or are presently smoking, and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, asbestos may also be a cause of your cancer. For smokers, asbestos and tobacco act together, greatly increasing the risk of lung cancer. The combination of smoking and asbestos can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer, depending on its severity and the medical history of the individual, may be treated.

Mesothelioma~What Types of Injuries Are Caused By Asbestos?

What is Asbestos?

Mesothelioma~What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring rock form of magnesium silicate. It as mined by corporations fur use in a variety of products such as gaskets, rope packing, brake linings, pipe covering, joint compounds, cement, roofing materials and other insulation products. Click here for a list of asbestos containing products.

There are six types of asbestos - three of which have been used commercially. These are white (chrysotile), blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos. Over 90% of all asbestos ever used was the white asbestos.

During the installation, repair, maintenance, renovation and removal of asbestos materials, the products were cut, scraped, sanded and otherwise altered. Some materials, such as cements, were mixed at job sites using raw asbestos fibers. These processes created dust, which was breathed in by the laborers working with and around these materials. Dust from these products also traveled throughout buildings and factories and ships, and remained airborne for weeks. When swept, these materials were re-suspended in the air, where they were breathed in again by workers in the vicinity.

The dangers of asbestos were known to the companies that made these products as early as the 1920s. However, asbestos was sold and used without warnings up until the 1980s -- when most asbestos products were banned in the United States and other countries. Alternative materials were available that could have been used in place of asbestos.

A wide array of workers were exposed to asbestos including shipyard workers, factory workers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, plumbers, laborers, machinists, mechanics, powerhouse workers, and electricians. One cloud of dust from asbestos products can contain millions or billions of fibers, and even a small amount of asbestos can cause lung damage. Mesothelioma has been diagnosed in family members of workers exposed to asbestos, learn more.

Often, individuals won't recall how they were exposed to asbestos, and may believe that they were not exposed to asbestos at all. A careful examination and review of a person's work and life history often reveals exposures to asbestos products that may not be readily apparent.

Mesothelioma~What is Asbestos?

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms are frequently reported by those with mesothelioma, but are also associated with other medical conditions.

The following symptomatic responses MAY BE caused by mesothelioma. This information is provided for your information only, and should NOT take the place of a full medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, consult your doctor right away.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

* Pleural Effusions
One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea", and sometimes pain may occur.

* Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the pleural area of the lungs, and/or the presence of a tumor(s) in the pleural lining. Both conditions can restrict the proper functioning of the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.

* Chest / Back Pain
A buildup of fluid in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% of patients have mesothelioma in both lungs.

* Chronic Hoarseness / Difficulty Swallowing / Coughing up Blood
Chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis) are symptoms that are exhibited in less than 1% of undiagnosed mesothelioma sufferers.

* Swelling of the Face and Arms
The swelling of the face or neck areas can indicate a spreading of the cancer beyond the mesothelium.

* Other reported symptoms include fever, muscle weakness and sensory loss, and nausea.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

* Pain or Swelling of the Abdomen
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma usually include abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).

* Bowel Obstruction
A tumor in the peritoneum membranes can exert increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.

* Weight Loss / Anemia
Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and the pressure exerted by the presence of a tumor(s) can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, anemia, and other 'wasting symptoms'.

* The presence of tumors in the peritoneal tissues of the abdomen can also cause a frequency in urination, night sweats, fever, and loss of muscle tissue.

Definition of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis.

A malignant tumor of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the thin lining on the surface of the body cavities and the organs that are contained within them. Most mesotheliomas begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to form a solid coating of tumor surrounding the lung, abdominal organs, or heart.

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the chest cavity and is associated with exposure to asbestos in up to 90% of cases. It has been shown that some asbestos fibers that are inhaled quickly work their way through the lung tissue and into the chest (pleural) cavity. Asbestos fibers that are swallowed have been shown to penetrate the wall of the intestine and appear in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity.

The risk of mesothelioma increases with the intensity and duration of exposure to asbestos. It is debatable whether or not there is any safe exposure level. Mesothelioma typically does not occur for 20 to 50 years following exposure to asbestos. Some forms of asbestos, particularly crocidolite fibers, are more likely to cause mesotheliomas. There is also evidence that mesotheliomas may be caused by other agents including radiation, viruses, and man-made mineral fibers. There is no relationship to smoking.

Mesothelioma is currently difficult to treat in most cases and survival beyond two years is unusual.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. Washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can also put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

Definitions of MESOTHELIOMA on the Web:

* a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure that occurs in the sac lining of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma ...
www.belluckfox.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma_glossary.html

* a tumor of the mesothelium, that can be benign (localized) or malignant (diffusely spread), and that is most commonly caused by the ingestion of asbestos particles.
www.mesotheliomacancerfile.org/mesothelioma_glossary.htm

* Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs (pleura), or around the abdominal organs (peritoneum). It is usually fatal.
www.brooks-law.com/CM/Custom/Definitions.asp

* Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or abdomen (the peritoneum). Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed a
www.texascancerclinic.com/cancerinfo/glossary.cfm

* A type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
www.larrycurtislawfirm.com/dictionary.php

* (mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh) — A tumor in the lining of the chest or abdomen (stomach area).
www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/glossary/

* "A rare cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium)." (Mayo Clinic, 2007)
www.csa.com/discoveryguides/asbestos/gloss.php

* A cancer most often caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a deadly medical condition in which cells mutate to form cancers on the mesothelium (most often of the lungs.
www.asbestos.com/glossary/m.php

* A kind of cancer that originates in the pleura, that is, the layer of cells that line the outer surface of the lung. This cancer is usually considered a tumor of the pleura and not a type of lung cancer.
www.healthtalk.com/lungcancer/diseasebasics07.cfm

* Cancer involving the pleura (the membranes that cover the lungs).
www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/lung_disorders/927-1.html

* Malignant spreading tumour of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising as a result of the presence of asbestos fibres. ...
www.work.med.ed.ac.uk/hew/tox/glossall.html

* a cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest and stomach caused by inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers or asbestos exposure
www.mesoblog.org/mesothelioma-glossary.php

* A cancer of cells similar to those forming the lining of the lungs, heart, the abdominal cavity and its organs.
www.dva.gov.au/health/hlthstdy/validation/glossary.htm

* A cancer in the tissue lining of certain organs, including the heart and lung, that may be attributed to long-term inhalation of asbestos.
www.lung.com/dictionary/lung_larynx-ozone.php

* A malignant tumor covering the lining of the lung and often associated with asbestos exposure.
www.mesothelioma-treatment-2day.com/Mesothelioma_Medical_Terms.html

* A malignant tumor of mesothelium caused by the inhalation of asbestos
quizlet.com/print/15664/

* a tumor or tumors affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Most cases of mesothelioma are malignant, and are caused by exposure to asbestos. A small number of cases of mesothelioma are benign, or non-cancerous. (See also malignant mesothelioma),
mesotheliomaattorneyalliance.com/about-mesothelioma/glossary.htm

* A tumor in the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is linked almost exclusively to asbestos exposure.
www.lungcancersurvival.info/a-lung-cancer-glossary-d.php

* A rare cancer, usually found in those exposed to asbestos, in the form of a malignant tumor in the mesothelium of the lungs and or abdomen. Symptoms of this incurable disease are persistent coughing or coughing of blood, chest or abdomen pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
www.mesotheliomalawyersfyi.com/glossary.html

* A rare tumor which develops within the thin protective lining between organs
treatingmesothelioma.org/

* a form of carcinoma of the mesothelium lining lungs or abdomen or heart; usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

* Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos.United States Department of Health and Human Services. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma

* An uncommon malignant tumour of the mesothelium, usually of the lungs after exposure to asbestos
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mesothelioma