| Mesothelioma is caused
by exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos particles.
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause
of mesothelioma cancer. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may
cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function
which leads to the development of mesothelioma.
Many people who develop mesothelioma
have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos and glass particles,
or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways.
There has been mention of the possibility that washing the clothes
of a family member who worked with asbestos or glass can put a
person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Unlike lung cancer,
there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but
smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced
cancers. Many who have been exposed to asbestos have collected
damages for asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma.
Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in
law practices regarding mesothelioma.
The federal government has taken steps to protect citizens from
exposure to asbestos. The relationship between asbestos and
mesothelioma is well documented. First, on July 12, 1989, EPA
established a ban on new uses of asbestos. Uses established before
this date are still allowable. Second, EPA has established
regulations that require school systems to inspect for asbestos and,
if damaged asbestos is found, to eliminate or reduce the exposure,
either by removing the asbestos or by covering it up so it cannot
get into the air. In addition, EPA provides guidance and support for
reducing asbestos exposure in other public buildings. Third, EPA
regulates the release of asbestos from factories and during building
demolition or renovation to prevent asbestos from getting into the
environment. EPA also regulates the disposal of waste asbestos
materials or products, requiring these to be placed only in approved
locations. Fourth, EPA has proposed a limit of 7 million fibers per
liter on the concentration of long fibers (length greater than or
equal to 5 µm) that may be present in drinking water. Fifth, FDA
regulates the use of asbestos in the preparation of drugs and
restricts the use of asbestos in food-packaging materials. Because
there is a definitive link between asbestos and mesothelioma NIOSH
has recommended that inhalation exposures not exceed 100,000 fibers
with lengths greater than or equal to 5 µm per m3 of air (0.1
fibers/mL). OSHA has established an enforceable limit on the average
8-hour daily concentration of asbestos allowed in air in the
workplace to be 100,000 fibers with lengths greater than or equal to
5 µm per m3 of air (0.1 fibers/mL). Additional sources of
information about asbestos are the 10 regional offices of the EPA.
Most EPA regional offices have an asbestos coordinator.
|
|
|