Mesothelioma Cancer

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma cancer.

It has been identified that the main risk factor for developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who may be at risk for occupational asbestos exposure include some miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers, and construction workers, particularly those involved with installing insulation. The risk of lung cancer among people exposed to asbestos is increased by 7 times, compared with the general population.The affects from exposure to asbestos regardless their age, sex or races, they are at risk of contracting cancer as well as other diseases.

There are several studies have shown that family members of people exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, because asbestos fibers are carried home on the clothes of the workers.Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, and possibly other asbestos related diseases. As a result, each year 3,000 Americans and many thousands more worldwide develop mesothelioma, and millions of us are at risk.

Some work areas have been more susceptible to asbestos in the past. The following occupations have traditionally been area where risk of exposure to asbestos is great, and the numbers of people in such occupations contracting asbestos disease have been high.

• Insulators
• Boilermakers
• Shipfitters
• Steel Workers
• Maintenance Workers
• Pipe Fitters
• Brake Mechanics
• Demolition Workers
• Building Survayers
  

reference:themesothelioma.org

Trades at high risk for developing mesothelioma include:

* Metal plate workers (including shipbuilding)

* Vehicle body builders (including rail vehicles)

* Plumbers

* Gas fitters

* Carpenters

* Electricians

* Construction workers

* Plasterers

* Builders

* Handymen

* Steel erectors

* Painters

* Sheet metal workers

* Welders

What types of products typically contained asbestos?

The following products commonly contained varying degrees of asbestos. This list is not all inclusive, and is meant only as general information.

* Molded or preformed lagging used in thermal insulation of pipes and boilers

* Sprayed asbestos used as fire protection in ducts, firebreaks, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and around structural steel work

* Insulating boards used for fire protection, thermal insulation, partitioning and ducts

* Asbestos packing used in firebreaks in ceiling voids

* Millboard, paper and paper products used for insulation of electrical equipment; asbestos paper may also be used as a fireproof facing on wood fiberboard

* Asbestos cement products in both flat and corrugated sheets used as roofing or wall cladding; cement products were also used in gutters, rainwater pipes and water tanks

* Textured coatings (such as Artex)

* Bitumen roofing material

* Vinyl or thermoplastic floor tile

Source: mesotheliomainternational

This does not mean that if you or a loved one has worked in any of these trades that you have likely contracted mesothelioma. However, if any of the symptoms do show up go see a doctor immediately. Early detection is often the best medicine.

In some cases just a very small exposure to certain types of the fibre can be very serious. Always get a specialist company to do tests.

risk factors for mesothelioma cancer

Labels: mesothelioma risk factors