Risk Of Mesothelioma Essay
Risk factors and causes of mesothelioma
Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Up to nine out of ten cases of mesothelioma (90%) are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral found in many countries. It acts as an insulator (to keep heat in and cold out) and it protects against fire and corrosion.
There are three types of asbestos: blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite) and white (chrysolite). These were used in UK industries until the ban on imports of blue and brown asbestos in the 1980s and on all types in 1999. Exposure to blue and brown asbestos is commonly linked with mesothelioma. However, exposure to all types of asbestos is harmful.
Mesothelioma doesn’t usually develop until many years after exposure to asbestos. It can take any time from 10—60 years, although the average is about 30—40 years after exposure. …show more content…
Asbestos fibers are very fine and can make their way into the smallest airways of the lungs, the body’s defense mechanisms try to break them down and remove them. This leads to inflammation in the lung tissue.
The asbestos fibers can also travel through the lung tissue to settle in the outer lining of the lung (the pleura). Over many years they can cause mesothelioma or other lung diseases to develop.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can also be swallowed, and some of the fibers can stick in the digestive system. They can then move into the outer lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). Here, they cause swelling and thickening of the lining and can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos
People most likely to have been exposed to asbestos at work include:
• joiners and construction
Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Up to nine out of ten cases of mesothelioma (90%) are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral found in many countries. It acts as an insulator (to keep heat in and cold out) and it protects against fire and corrosion.
There are three types of asbestos: blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite) and white (chrysolite). These were used in UK industries until the ban on imports of blue and brown asbestos in the 1980s and on all types in 1999. Exposure to blue and brown asbestos is commonly linked with mesothelioma. However, exposure to all types of asbestos is harmful.
Mesothelioma doesn’t usually develop until many years after exposure to asbestos. It can take any time from 10—60 years, although the average is about 30—40 years after exposure. …show more content…
Asbestos fibers are very fine and can make their way into the smallest airways of the lungs, the body’s defense mechanisms try to break them down and remove them. This leads to inflammation in the lung tissue.
The asbestos fibers can also travel through the lung tissue to settle in the outer lining of the lung (the pleura). Over many years they can cause mesothelioma or other lung diseases to develop.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can also be swallowed, and some of the fibers can stick in the digestive system. They can then move into the outer lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). Here, they cause swelling and thickening of the lining and can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos
People most likely to have been exposed to asbestos at work include:
• joiners and construction