Mesothelioma Asbestos
Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor caused mostly by asbestos
Mesothelioma is the name that is known a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. Such are the cells that form a protective coating on the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The best known of these membranes is the pleura, whose function is to be a surface lubricant that protects the lungs from rubbing against the rib cage.
Asbestos fibers and asbestosis
Virtually all cases of mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura) and lung cancer are related to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Inhaled fibers can cause scarring in the tissues inside the lungs, which can not expand and contract normally.
Every year between 10,000 and 15,000 diagnosed cases worldwide. In general the majority of victims are men over 50 years.
The main features of asbestos, which is the name given to a group of six different minerals, are long and strong fibers that can be separated and are flexible (can be interlaced) and resist high temperatures.
Because of these properties, asbestos was used in many construction materials:
- Tiling
- Tiles
- Pipes and asbestos cement products,
- Insulation
- Friction products (automobile clutch, brake, transmission components)
- Thermo-resistant textiles, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
Asbestos fibers remain suspended in the air for a long time and are carried by the wind. Do not degrade into other compounds and remain unchanged for long periods.
Although since 1989 no longer manufactured products containing asbestos, people are still exposed when swaying fiber-containing materials such as, for example, during demolition, to perform maintenance, repair and renovation of buildings or housing.
In general, exposure can only occur when the asbestos-containing material is shaken so that releases particles and fibers into the air. It should be stressed that asbestos is not in itself a health hazard only if fibers shakes and go into the air. So if you are renovating your house and suspect that I have built with asbestos materials, contact a professional to perform the tasks.
The consequences of exposure to asbestos fibers has a latency period of 15 to 40 years. This means that a person who worked in a factory which used asbestos 40 years ago can now develop mesothelioma, so it is advisable to make regular checks.
