Tag Archives: asbestos risk

Risk for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Keeps Rising Decades After Exposure

risk for peritoneal mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma risk may level off over several decades, but the risk for peritoneal mesothelioma never goes down. That is the conclusion of researchers at Italy’s University of Eastern Piedmont. It is based on data from more than 50,000 asbestos-exposed Italian workers.   More than 40 years after asbestos exposure, the workers’ risk for peritoneal mesothelioma continued to rise. Calculating Mesothelioma Rates Over Time Asbestos is the primary cause of all types of malignant mesothelioma. Even short-term asbestos exposure raises the risk for peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma tumors start on the lining around the lungs.  If asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they embed themselves in these linings. This … Continue reading Risk for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Keeps Rising Decades After Exposure »

Tornado Aftermath: Possible Mesothelioma Risk

Environmental officials are warning that this spring’s rash of severe weather across the Midwest and South could raise the risk of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and other lung conditions among people involved in the cleanup. Mesothelioma is the rarest of a range of illnesses that can be triggered by exposure to asbestos fibers.  Asbestos was a common component in wall, pipe and attic insulation, roof products, floor tiles, acoustical ceiling tiles, joint compounds, drywall and even paints – especially in homes built before the 1970’s.   Insulation containing asbestos was sold until 1990.  Once asbestos is disturbed and the fibers become airborne, anyone in the vicinity is at greater risk for asbestos caused diseases like mesothelioma. After the dangers of asbestos exposure came to … Continue reading Tornado Aftermath: Possible Mesothelioma Risk »

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for California Teens

Three California executives responsible for helping at-risk teenagers gain job skills have been charged with putting those teens at risk for asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma cancer. The executives ran a now-closed non-profit agency in Merced called Firm Build.  According to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office, between 2005 and 2006, a group of teens being trained in construction by Firm Build were sent to remove asbestos from old buildings without adequate protection.  The Silicon Valley Mercury News reports that the teens had to remove the asbestos-containing products using only paper face masks and hard hats. The mineral asbestos, still prevalent as an insulator and building product in thousands of older structures, is known to cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung … Continue reading Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for California Teens »

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for Auto Mechanics

When the health risks of asbestos exposure began to gain national attention in the mid 1970’s because of asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma, many industries and government agencies took steps to warn and protect industrial workers. In many cases, asbestos was removed from the work environment or workers were trained in the use of protective gear. But the auto industry appears to be an exception. Not only is asbestos still used in brake linings and clutch facings because of its heat resistant properties, but mechanics who replace or repair these brakes may be coming in contact with asbestos on a regular basis. When mechanics remove worn brakes to clean the brake drum, asbestos dust can come from the debris of … Continue reading Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for Auto Mechanics »

Electrician’s Mesothelioma Death Highlights Asbestos Risk

The death of an electrician from mesothelioma is making headlines in Great Britain.  An inquest has concluded that a British electrician who helped build a Nuclear Power Station in Gloucestershire died as a direct result of asbestos exposure.  UK newspaper The Gazette reports that Gerald Brown, who died in November of mesothelioma, was an apprentice with NG Bailey of Yorkshire when the power station was built. According to the results of the inquest, Brown died as a direct result of the large amount of asbestos used at the plant.  Although he did not work directly with asbestos, Brown claims to have seen clouds of the mineral dust throughout the plant while he worked there and even remembered going home from work covered … Continue reading Electrician’s Mesothelioma Death Highlights Asbestos Risk »