Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium - a thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs. In most cases, the tissue around the lung is affected. However, cases have been reported in which other body organs are affected by this condition. This type of cancer is very aggressive and often fatal if it is a malignant mesothelioma.
Know the risk factors
Although different materials may cause this disease, mesothelioma is mainly attributed to exposure to asbestos, as reported by the CDC's Toxic Substance and Disease Registry. In addition, asbestos was classified as carcinogenic by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. The latency period for the disease is approximately 20 to 40 years. For example, the asbestos tax can remain unnoticed for decades.
Mesothelioma cases are therefore diagnosed years after the first exposure to asbestos. An investigation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the CDC has analyzed the annual records with multiple causes for the period 1999-2005. It was found that a total of 18,068 deaths were reported as malignant mesothelioma.
Who should be influenced?
Asbestos is imported into the United States and even mined in the country in the 20th century. In the United States, the use of asbestos reached a peak of 803,000 tonnes in 1973, before falling to 1,700 tonnes in 2007. Industrial workers employed in the production, construction and shipbuilding sectors before 1980 are the most vulnerable, as federal safety regulations were not yet in place. Due to the demolition of buildings that have used asbestos during construction, there are still exhibitions today. [*]
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