Asbestos exposure linked to other cancers besides lung, mesothelioma

Although most commonly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer or mesothelioma, evidence has linked asbestos exposure several other forms of cancer, including stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, pharyngeal cancer and colorectal cancer.

A 2006 study by the Institute of Medicine found that exposure to asbestos could cause individuals to develop cancer of the larynx, the structure that houses the vocal chords. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 9,500 new cases of laryngeal cancer and about 3,700 deaths attributable to the disease occur each year, including some involving exposure to asbestos.

Researchers have also uncovered evidence linking asbestos and cancer affecting other parts of the body. A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (PDF) found that patients who were exposed to asbestos were more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who had not been exposed. Other studies published by the National Academies Press have uncovered evidence linking asbestos exposure to stomach cancer, esophageal cancer and pharyngeal cancer.

While lung cancer and mesothelioma have had a devastating effect on thousands of asbestos exposure victims, the research of the Institute of Medicine and other groups plays an important role in bringing attention to the plight of those affected by other cancers linked to exposure to asbestos.

Taconite Mining: Is There Still Risk of Exposure to Asbestos?

Minnesota is well known for their iron ore, especially in the Northeastern Iron Range region of the state.  The iron industry had taken a drastic downturn in the last two years but is now back in full demand, one of the quickest turnarounds in such a market.

Iron workers who had been laid off for the last couple of years are now working full time, with ample opportunity to work even more.  The iron produced from the mines in Minnesota is competitively priced, and the demand for steel is high, so the industry is expected to stay robust for a while into the future.

In all the news about how wonderful this economic boom is, however, there is no mention of the fact that many iron workers have fallen ill to a rare disease called mesothelioma.  Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining of the lung, heart or abdomen that is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

The death rate due to mesothelioma is much higher among miners and residents in the northeastern region of Minnesota, which prompted several research studies in the past.  The first was conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health, but the scope and funds were limited so conclusive results were never really discovered.  More workers were dying of mesothelioma, so a further, more extensive study began led by the University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic to research the causes of the increased numbers of asbestos related diseases among the taconite miner population.  This $4.9 million study began in 2007, and researchers hope to release results from that by the end of this year.

In the meantime, it seems if they are going to begin mining again at full capacity, protective measures should be taken by employers and workers, as well as family members.  A common way second-hand exposure occurs to family members is when workers carry home asbestos fibers on their clothes, shoes or in their hair.

Workers at the mines should have a safe way to launder clothes and shower before leaving the job site.  They should also be provided with information about the risks of exposure to asbestos and given protective gear and respirators to prevent any inhalation or ingestion of microscopic toxic fibers.

To have jobs provided in a tough economy is always something to be celebrated, but if those jobs are going to steal the lives of workers decades down the road due to lack of training or protection when the statistics overwhelmingly show there is a high risk, safety measures should be taken.    In light of the already heightened number of deaths due to mesothelioma among taconite workers, the employer should act responsibly and protect workers even if the exact cause has not been clearly established.

We have seen our clients suffer through the symptoms of mesothelioma, the side effects of treatment, and losing a loved one- and it is heartbreaking.    Because this disease is so avoidable, we implore all at risk to do whatever necessary to stay safe and protected.  For more information about mesothelioma among taconite workers, read our article:  Taconite Mining and Higher Rates of Mesothelioma in Northeastern Minnesota

Workplace Exposure to Asbestos Can Be Easily Avoided

In today’s day and age, everyone should know that asbestos is a toxic mineral that causes a fatal cancer called mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases.  Even a single incident of exposure can put someone at risk of years later developing cancer, asbestosis or lung diseases, so all efforts should be made to prevent any contact with asbestos containing materials.

For the most part, new use and manufacture of asbestos products is prohibited by federal regulations.  Highest risk now occurs for workers who are working in environments where there is in-place asbestos already on site, such as construction workers, emergency relief workers, mechanics, and ship repairmen.

In these cases, repair, removal or demolition to already in-place asbestos products leads them to be disturbed or damaged which then causes the risk of asbestos fibers becoming airborne.  This is when workers are at the highest risk.

Basic knowledge and use of protective measures by workers can avoid any unwanted exposure.  Knowing which materials are likely to contain asbestos in older buildings, cars and ships will allow workers to take precautions.

Head contractors are responsible for doing asbestos inspections prior to refurbishments or demolition of buildings, and then passing this information on to any workers or general public in the area.  The Environmental Protection Agency as well as local and state agencies then have clear requirements of how to manage, remove and dispose of any asbestos containing materials.

Identification of toxic products, posting warning signs, providing asbestos abatement training, and supplying protective gear and respirators are all measures that contractors or workers likely to be exposed can take to avoid exposure.

If exposed to asbestos on the workplace, it is important to make sure to tell your doctor and to have regular check ups.  However, symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestos related cancer  are not immediate and can take ten to fifty years to develop.  Often mesothelioma is not even detected until it has reached advanced stages, and then little can be done.  If you have been exposed, being aware of the signs of mesothelioma will help detect the disease earlier, giving the best chances of survival and treatment.

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos and are having any health problems, especially trouble breathing, consult with your physician immediately and let them know of your work history.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to damages from the manufacturers of the asbestos containing products that caused your illness.  Contact our asbestos law firm so that we can help you.  We have been handling mesothelioma lawsuits for over thirty years and are experts in our field.  We can help you get financial help as quickly as possible.

Asbestos Exposure of Veterans

Chronic exposure to asbestos cause serious medical disorders such as asbestosis and exposure even for short duration can lead to mesothelioma, sometime as late as 30 years after exposure.

Millions of Americans have served in the armed forces and most of them are at risk of exposure to asbestos, which is the only known and proven cause of mesothelioma. Armed forces veterans face health hazards such as exposure to asbestos, during their service to nation. The risk of development of mesothelioma remains for as long as 30 years after retiring from service.

Some studies show as much as 30% of the mesothelioma (mesothelioma and asbestosis) suffers in America are veterans; both of these are incurable disease. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer and asbestosis is a lung disease where the disease progress despite treatment and removal of causative factor.

Most of the branches in the armed forces of United States use asbestos in the equipments and veterans handling these equipments are at great risk of mesothelioma. The reason of the rampant use of asbestos in the military equipments is the incredible heat- and fire-resistant property. So for decades asbestos was used rampantly, before the discovery of asbestos as the major causative factor in asbestosis and the only known cause of mesothelioma cancer. In most of the countries the use of asbestos is banned now and the banning came in slowly and step by step.

Military hard wares as well as many types of military equipments such as planes, ships were built using asbestos for its incredible heat- and fire-resistant property, to prevent potential fires as these equipments have to endure high temperature. In ships (war ships) the use of asbestos was highest in the engine and boiler rooms, but unfortunately asbestos was also used in other locations where heat exposure is not a factor such as sleeping cabins and mess halls and due to these indiscriminate use of asbestos in ships the veterans from navy and marines are the worst hit by the deadly disease of mesotheliom and asbestos, as compare to other services such as army and air force.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted byDr Jupitor - May 11, 2010 at 3:41 pm

Categories:Asbestos & Mesothelioma Tags:Asbestos, Mesothelioma, Veterans

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