Once considered a useful material because of its durability and fire-resistant properties, asbestos has since caused huge problems – especially for people who were exposed to it on the job. This regrettable legacy has left thousands upon tens of thousands suffering from ill health for the rest of their lives.
A rare and aggressive cancer, mesothelioma is inextricably linked to occupational exposure to asbestos. In this article, we examine the relationship between one’s work history and asbestos.
Understanding the Risks of Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma, a deadly cancer primarily carried by people who have had occupational exposure to asbestos, is almost uniquely linked to manufacturing workers and mine workers where hazardous levels of the fiber are present or might have been present historically. Furthermore, as much as 80-90% of these deaths can be traced to three industries that use large quantities.
The statistics show that nearly all mesothelioma patients contracted the disease from asbestos exposure, breathed either in their workplaces or because they lived close to an asbestos-processing plant.
However, another rare cause of mesothelioma does exist: chronic exposure to erionite, a volcanic mineral with similar chemical composition and habit as asbestos fiber.
For most people, a brief period of exposure to asbestos fibers is unlikely to result in mesothelioma. However, when inhalation becomes a habit – especially in the workplace – the odds of coming down with this rare and deadly type of cancer increase significantly.
The Latency Period: A Hidden Danger
One of asbestos exposure’s most insidious aspects is its long period of incubation. Asbestos-related diseases might take a decade before detection.
If you think you are at risk for asbestos exposure, seek medical from professional asbestos services as soon as you can.
Pleural Mesothelioma: The Most Common Asbestos-Related Cancer
Of the more than 3,000 mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States each year, about 80% take the form of pleural mesothelioma. This type is named after the pleura, or lining which surrounds the lung.
70% of all diseases related to asbestos, including lung cancer and asbestosis, are pleural mesothelioma, which is also the most common asbestos-related injury.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos dust, industrial exposure in particular. Fiber accumulates in the lungs and inflammation with a build-up of scar tissue sets in; this situation gradually worsens until mesothelioma tumors start to develop.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Dry cough
- Breathing problems
- Chronic chest pain
The 5-year survival rate for pleural mesothelioma is as low as 5% with asbestos facing the highest risk.
Industries Facing The Highest Risk
Below is a list of the industries facing the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
- Automotive Industry: Auto mechanics face exposure to asbestos from brake shoe linings, clutches, and heat seals.
- Construction Industry: Workers in this industry encounter asbestos in insulation, cement, roofing, and joint compounds, especially in older buildings.
- Industrial Workers: Exposure risks come from equipment, tools, and protective gear containing asbestos.
- Power Plants: Asbestos is common in old equipment, including boilers, pipes, and electrical appliances.
- Sheet Metal Industry: Workers often used asbestos-containing protective gear and worked with asbestos-insulated materials.
- Shipyards: Shipbuilders faced exposure from asbestos used for insulation and fireproofing in ships.
- Pipefitters: Sanding asbestos-containing pipes released fibers into the air, leading to exposure.
- Refinery Workers: Exposure came from asbestos-containing products like pipe covering, cement, and insulation.
- Railroad Industry: Workers faced exposure from asbestos used in gaskets, floor tiles, and brake clutches.
- Boilermakers, Carpenters, and Insulators: These professions often involve direct handling of asbestos-containing materials.
The Alarming Statistics of Occupational Asbestos Exposure
- According to the CDC, there were 45,221 malignant mesothelioma deaths in the US from 1999 to 2015, primarily affecting people aged 85 years and older. However, recent data shows an increase in deaths among individuals under 55, indicating ongoing asbestos exposure.
- A staggering estimate suggests that for every 170 tons of produced and consumed asbestos, at least one person will die from mesothelioma due to occupational exposure.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos, with 107,000 annual deaths attributed to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
- The CDC’s analysis of premature deaths linked to asbestosis from 1968 to 2005 revealed that construction, shipbuilding, and military workers, along with insulators, had the highest number of premature deaths related to asbestos exposure.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that around 568,000 workers in service industries and production and 114,000 in construction industries were exposed to asbestos in the workplace at any given time.
These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by occupational asbestos exposure.
The Importance of Prevention and Safety
To protect workers from the dangers of asbestos exposure, employers must:
- Supply appropriate safety gear and training
- Adhere to rules on handling and disposing of asbestos
- Examine and keep an eye on job sites to make sure that they are secure
If you have been exposed to asbestos in your work, it’s vital to:
- Inform your doctor of your exposure history
- Have regular check-ups to follow your health
- Consider if you should apply for workers’ compensation if you develop an asbestos-related illness
Seeking Support and Compensation
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or some other asbestos-related disease due to occupational exposure, help is available.
For the mesothelioma diagnosis where the patient can be treated, Mesowatch also will connect you with asbestos attorneys who provide free case evaluations by putting you in touch with your occupation and exposure site experienced attorneys – they not only understand but will help you obtain the maximum compensation for any economic losses incurred.
At a time like this, it’s prudent to call on support services for help. Using the right resources and direction, you can smoothly navigate the legal system while concentrating on maintaining good health and taking concentrated care of yourself. But if referring to things significantly off space and time context will confuse readers.
It is impossible to deny the link between occupational exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma. By understanding the risks, taking precautions, and seeking help as necessary, we can work together to safeguard workers from harm and support those afflicted by this terrible disease.
