Risk for Mesothelioma Does Not Decline After Asbestos Exposure Stops
A new report contains some disappointing news for former asbestos workers: The risk for mesothelioma does not go down when asbestos exposure stops. A team of US and Italian researchers reached that conclusion after combing the medical literature for studies on the risk for mesothelioma. Although the risk for several other cancers declines when the person is no longer in contact with the carcinogen, the study shows this does not apply to asbestos cancer. Asbestos Increases Mesothelioma Risk Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. It is a naturally-occurring mineral that is resistant to corrosion, does not burn, and makes an excellent insulator. Malignant mesothelioma was virtually unheard of until people started mining and using asbestos in industry. Since then,…