Asbestos exposour is the main cause of Mesothelioma. So if you ever exposed to asbestos for atleast 2 months with in 15 to 40 years and you are of age above 40 then you are at great risk of Mesothelioma. Some work areas have been more susceptible to asbestos in the past. The following occupations have traditionally been area where risk of exposure to asbestos is great, and the numbers of people in such occupations contracting asbestos disease have been high.Insulators
Boilermakers
Shipfitters
Steel Workers
Maintenance Workers
Pipe Fitters
Brake Mechanics
This does not mean that if you or a loved one has worked in any of these trades that you have likely contracted mesothelioma. However, if any of the symptoms do show up go see a doctor immediately. Early detection is often the best medice.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Up to 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. It is used in different areas like building, shipyard and manufacturing. Many research shows that those who have exposed to asbestos or worked in asbestos related industries are at great risk of mesothelioma.The minute asbestos particles go into human body through nose or mouth during inhalation, talking or any other reason. They reach lungs or abdomen and damage the lining, causing Mesothelioma. Due to its long latency period, mesothelioma can attack you even 15 – 40 years after the inhalation of asbestos particles. Even the family members of person working in asbestos related industries could be vulnerable to mesothelioma.
Treatments for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma represents less than 1 percent of all cancers. It is rarely seen in smaller medical centers, where on average, a physician may see two cases in her/his career. At Mayo Clinic, three to four new cases are seen every month. Diagnosis and treatment of this cancer can be difficult, and proper management of the disease often includes evaluation at large medical centers by specialists more experienced in standard and experimental treatments for the mesothelioma. Some treatment options for mesothelioma cancers are surgical removal of the effected tissues; chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the prognosis of later stage mesothelioma patients is bleak and the average survival time after diagnosis is 12-24 months.
Mesothelioma Compensations
If your mesothelioma could be due to exposure to asbestos through your work, you may be able to claim compensation. This can be done in two ways: through benefits paid by the government and/or by suing your employer for the period (or periods) during which you were exposed to asbestos.
The owners of Asbestos related industries were quite aware of the health hazards of asbest
os. However, they persisted with its use without issuing any warnings or taking steps for avoiding the health hazards. This is the reason why US courts have awarded huge sums as compensations to the Mesothelioma patients/families by the companies/persons responsible for causing asbestos exposure.
