Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral which was used in different industries before the government put a ban on its use. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases tiny fibres which enter the lungs of people working nearby. These fibres settle near the membrane around the lung and over a period of time can cause different lung diseases to develop. Some people swallow asbestos fibres, and they settle in the digestive system and cause cancer in the stomach. Those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a high risk of getting this deadly disease.
Construction workers, plumbers, electricians, shipbuilders, demolition workers and those who lived or worked at places where asbestos was present are at the highest risk of getting this disease. Workers who work in close proximity of asbestos carry this dust on their clothes and shoes, and their family members also get infected and get this disease. Mesothelioma does not develop immediately after exposure, in fact it takes any time from 10 to 60 years for this disease to develop and show symptoms.
Since, this disease is diagnosed at a later stage so it becomes very difficult to treat and cure people suffering from mesothelioma. Treatment and cure depends on the spread of the disease, and if it is localized, doctors can resort to surgery and remove affected parts. There are about 2000 mesothelioma cases reported each year in different countries and it is believed that these numbers will go up to 3000 by 2015 when mesothelioma cases will reach a peak and then decline.
Companies which used asbestos, despite being aware about its adverse effects, face legal action as courts have made it compulsory for employers to provide compensation to employees who got infected and developed mesothelioma while working at factories. Employees who became infected with asbestos at their work place can file a personal injury compensation claim against their employer. Even when the company where the employee was previously working is no longer in existence, a claim can be filed and compensation claimed from the insurance agency.
Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the mesothelium – a thin membrane which is present in the chest and the abdomen. It is believed that nine out of ten cases of mesothelioma are caused due to exposure to asbestos which leads to many making a mesothelioma claim.
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
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Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 Time: 6:04 AM
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