Interview on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center works to help inform you about the still-present dangers of asbestos exposure and the resulting cancer, Mesothelioma.

James O’Shea works with the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center as a content manager, and he answered some questions for readers of Lively Women. My questions are in bold, and his answers follow.

How is Mesothelioma different from most other cancers?

Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer and treatable only with palliative therapies. Mesothelioma affects the respiratory system but is different than small and non-small cell lung cancers because it affects the mesothelial cell-lining of the body’s internal organs and not the organs themselves. It is extremely disruptive to respiratory function and symptoms will mimic those of more minor medical problems.

Is the disease caused by anything else besides asbestos exposure?

Although there are some cases of mesothelioma developed in those with no asbestos history, asbestos exposure accounts for nearly all cases. Those who have developed the disease with no asbestos history are considered among medical professionals to be anomalies.

It seems that most of the workplaces containing asbestos are commonly dominated by men (construction, shipyards, railroads, power plants). Are there any other instances where women or children might be more likely to come in contact with asbestos?

Yes, there have been several instances of secondary exposure reported among women and children. Women who washed the clothes of men who worked with asbestos and even children who hugged their father after getting home from work have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of this minor, but consistent exposure.

If you suspect asbestos might be in your home or workplace, what’s the best way to find out for sure, and how can you protect yourself if asbestos is found?

The best thing you can do is speak with an asbestos consultant or home inspector to determine if asbestos in the home is hazardous. Nearly 80% of homes built prior to 1980 contain at least some asbestos, though not all these materials constitute an immediate hazard. If intact and stable, asbestos containing materials, such as insulation of piping or boilers are generally safe so long as they are monitored regularly for signs of potential damage.

Is asbestos still in use today in the US?

The EPA and Consumer Product Safety Commission have outlined specific regulations for asbestos, though not all asbestos material is banned. Regulated and generally banned are what are known as asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials are those which contain, by composition, 1% or more asbestos fiber. The most likely encounter many will have with asbestos however, is among older fixtures such as insulation material.

Please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center for further information.

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