New Asbestos Test May Help Protect Against Mesothelioma
Although it is known to cause mesothelioma and a host of other diseases, asbestos is still in use in workplaces around the world. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as many as 1.3 million Americans are exposed to significant amounts of asbestos in the workplace. Historically, those who mine the raw material are at greatest risk for mesothelioma, along with those who work in construction or in manufacturing asbestos-containing products. Inhaled fibers can cause irritation and inflammation that can trigger mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases even decades after exposure. Because higher concentrations of airborne asbestos increase the health risk, workplace monitoring of airborne asbestos is required to help protect workers from mesothelioma and other diseases. Phase contrast microscopy…