Just How Dangerous is Asbestos?
by Mike Andrews
With the increase in the
number of lung cancer cases in recent years, it is vitally
important to educate ourselves on the risks and consequences of
asbestos exposure which accounts for over 80% of all
mesothelioma cancer cases; a form of cancer, caused by asbestos
exposure, that can affect the lungs (Pleural form), abdomen
(Peritoneal form), and even the membrane around the heart.. A
hefty 2000 new cases are being diagnosed every year according
to the National Cancer Institute, and that number is on the
rise. This leaves the question to be
asked...
Just how dangerous is asbestos exposure?
Significant exposure to any type of asbestos will increase the
risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and nonmalignant lung and
pleural disorders, including asbestosis, pleural plaques,
pleural thickening, and pleural effusions. This is based on
observations of these diseases in groups of workers with
cumulative exposures ranging from about 5 to 1,200
fiber-year/mL. The conclusion is supported by results from
animal and mechanistic studies.
Tobacco smokers who have been exposed to asbestos have a "far
greater-than-additive" risk for lung cancer than do nonsmokers
who have been exposed, meaning the risk is greater than the
individual risks from asbestos and smoking added together. The
time between diagnosis of mesothelioma and the time of initial
occupational exposure to asbestos commonly has been 30 years or
more.
Asbestos Facts:
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Asbestos Killed My Husband
Lorraine Kember
He was only a child when it
begun -and he played as
children do- in his yard with
his toy cars and tip trucks But
his sand was asbestos blue…
In December 1999, my husband
and I were walking home from a
game of lawn bowls when I
became aware of his shortness
of breath. I was surprised and
concerned when he told me that
he had experienced this on
several occasions. Believing
this to be due to chest a
infection, I made a doctor’s
appointment for him the next
day.
Chest X-rays revealed fluid on
the lungs, over two litres of
which was drained, giving Brian
immediate relief, but it was a
tense wait for the pathology
results. Through the Internet I
had become aware of several
conditions which may have been
responsible for fluid on the
lung; these included asbestos-
related diseases. Brian had
lived in Wittenoom as a child
and I was afraid of his
diagnosis. Not wanting to worry
him unnecessarily, I did not
mention my fears to him. I
prayed that he had pleurisy or
pneumonia but the pathology
results revealed that there
were cancer cells present.
When Brian finally received his
diagnosis, my worst nightmare
became reality. He had pleural
mesothelioma, a terminal cancer
of the lung caused by the
inhalation of asbestos dust. We
found it inconceivable that the
disease was the result of Brian
inhaling asbestos dust as a
child and that it had lain
dormant for forty-five years
before become lethal.
We were still reeling from the
shock when, without preamble,
the young doctor gave his
prognosis. His exact words
were, “Three to nine months, I
reckon”. That he could say this
so unfeelingly amazed me. His
total lack of compassion did
not encourage even the small
comfort of tears. I felt as if
Brian and I had been shot and
from that moment on we were
waiting to drop.
Undoubtedly, were mortally
wounded. We suffered shock,
disbelief, anger, helplessness
and utter despair; in fact all
the symptoms of grief one feels
when a loved one has actually
died. Once again we found
ourselves with no control over
our lives. This time however,
there was no light at the end
of the tunnel. Our journey
through terminal illness had
begun.
Throughout the course of our
married life my deep love for
Brian and my determination to
resolve difficulties had seen
us through many trials. I found
it hard to believe that nothing
could be done to save his life
and begun surfing the Internet
for information regarding
mesothelioma, all the time
praying for a miracle, hoping
against hope to find a doctor
who had successfully operated
on or cured someone of it.
It was a sad realization to
discover that for Brian there
were no miracles; however, I
learned a lot and it helped me
to accept that he was dying.
With my acceptance came a
fierce determination to ease
his burden. I continued to seek
information regarding
mesothelioma and the pain and
symptoms Brian would
experience, due to the
progression of his disease. In
this way, I came to understand
the importance of pain
management and symptom control
and realized that although I
could not stop Brian from dying
– I could help him to live.
My acquired knowledge regarding
pain and symptom management
enabled me to communicate with
Brian and to understand the
type of pain he was
experiencing and the intensity
of that pain. I was then able
to work hand in hand with his
doctors, to bring his pain and
symptoms under control. As my
efforts resulted in his
improved quality of life, I
lost my sense of helplessness
and gained strength.
Together, we achieved for
Brian, a quality of life few
thought possible, considering
the nature of his disease.
Testament to this, Brian
survived for 2 years despite
his prognosis of 3 to 9 months.
Remained active and alert,
drove his car for eighteen
months after diagnosis and was
not bed bound until three short
days prior to his death.
Brian's courageous battle with
mesothelioma came to an end on
the 24th December 2001; he
passed away at home surrounded
by his loved ones. He was 54
years old.
About the Author
Article written by: Lorraine
Kember – Author of “Lean on Me”
Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes.
Lorraine’s book is written from
her experience of caring for
her dying husband in the hope
of helping others. - For
detailed information, Doctor’s
recommendations, Reviews, Book
Excerpts and Ordering Facility
- visit her website
http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com
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1. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, most fibers are
expelled, but some can become lodged in the lungs and remain
there throughout life. Fibers can accumulate and cause scarring
and inflammation. Enough scarring and inflammation can affect
breathing, leading to disease.
2. People are more likely to experience asbestos-related
disorders when they are exposed to high concentrations of
asbestos, are exposed for longer periods of time, and/or are
exposed more often.
3. Inhaling longer, more durable asbestos fibers (such as
tremolite and other amphiboles) contributes to the severity of
asbestos-related disorders.
4. Exposure to asbestos, including tremolite, can increase the
likelihood of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and non-malignant lung
conditions such as asbestosis (restricted use of the lungs due
to retained asbestos fibers) and changes in the lung
lining.
5. Changes in the lining of the lungs (pleura) such as
thickening, plaques, calcification, and fluid around the lungs
(pleural effusion) may be early signs of asbestos exposure.
These changes can affect breathing more than previously
thought. Pleural effusion can be an early warning sign for
mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs).
6. Most cases of asbestosis or lung cancer in workers occurred
15 years or more after the person was first exposed to
asbestos.
7. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more
after the first exposure to asbestos.
8. Mesothelioma has been diagnosed in asbestos workers, family
members, and residents who live close to asbestos mines.
9. Health effects from asbestos exposure may continue to
progress even after exposure is stopped.
10. Smoking or cigarette smoke, together with exposure to
asbestos, greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of asbestosis can include:
Shortness of breath which is the primary symptom
A persistent and productive cough (a cough that expels
mucus)
Chest tightness
Chest pain Loss of appetite
A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, speak
with your physician immediately and discuss your level of
exposure. Early detection of mesothelioma increases your
chances immeasurably.
You can get more information about mesothelioma and find
helpful information and resources here: http://rarereviews.com/mesothelioma-cancer
About the author:
Mike Andrews is a research specialist who writes informative
and news worthy articles for public distribution. These works
stand to improve public relations and brand identity for the
companies they represent.
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