Asbestos is the general name given to a group of organic minerals, all of which are composed of microscopic fibers and can be separated into thin, durable threads. Able to be woven into fabric, or mixed into materials such as cement, asbestos is extremely lightweight and strong, and does not conduct electricity. It also has remarkable fireproofing, heatproofing and soundproofing capacities. For these reasons, asbestos has been used for many years in a variety of commercial and consumer products as well as in building materials.

We now know that asbestos is a killer, and those suffering from asbestos-related diseases have been entitled to compensation claims for their illnesses for a number of years. More recently, those who have been affected through secondary exposure to asbestos have discovered they may be able to claim for compensation, as well.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is toxic to humans. Inhaling it can lead to a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Persistent diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma was extremely common in construction workers who were exposed to asbestos fibers or dust, doctors began making a connection between asbestos and mesothelioma. Shipping, construction and other workers, who were exposed to asbestos from the 1950s to the 1970s, when the dangers of asbestos was being recognized, are still suffering from the ill effects of asbestos exposure at work. More and more cases of people working under asbestos were infected with mesothelioma. So, Asbestos was considered a cause of mesothelioma. Various laws and regulations are in place, which is designed to prevent workers from exposure to toxic asbestos.

Understanding the terminology commonly associated with mesothelioma and asbestos while holding a conversation with your doctor or other specialist will help you to relate to what they’re saying and make more informed decisions about how to proceed.

Below are some of the most common terms used when describing, diagnosing or treating mesothelioma.

1. Asbestos

A natural mineral that is commonly used in construction materials or similar products due to its high level of heat resistance and durability. It is a fibrous silicate mineral, and exposure to asbestos over an extended period of time can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a very serious form of cancer which is cost by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.  It affects the lining surrounding the lungs, the heart, or the abdominal cavity and organs.  While mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer, it often takes 30 to 50 years for the cancer to progress to the point of noticeable symptoms, and since the symptoms are not unique to this disease, it is frequently not diagnosed until the cancer has passed beyond the early stages.

Lung cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the world. In the USA we have seen many cases of asbestos that are simply destroying entire families. Not only in states with a huge history in the construction industry, have show thousands of cases of asbestos victims, but over the last 15 years, mortality from lung cancer has more than tripled.

One of the most dramatic and serious problems with lung cancer is the most common and take 15 to 20 years to develop after exposure. Asbestosis, or scarring of the lung tissue, also takes 15 to 20 years to appear. This means that when asbestos starts to reveals it’s presence the people responsible of the damages based on asbestos may be already out of business or not even alive.

The brave men and women who have served their country are modern day heroes. Fighting for freedom has never come easy, nor does it now. According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, there are currently 25 million individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces—THANK YOU!!

Unfortunately, literally hundreds of thousands, if not millions of these heroes were exposed to asbestos-containing materials during their services, and are only now—sometimes 50 years later—experiencing what that can mean.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos

The literal meaning of the word “asbestos” comes from the Greek, and it means “inextinguishable.” Rightfully named, this long fibrous mineral has been widely used for thousands of years because of its fireproof qualities. In fact, the ancient Greeks used asbestos for the funeral dress of kings that were to be cremated. Both the Greeks and Romans used asbestos-fiber napkins, which they would clean by throwing into the fire.

Mesothelioma Cancer, or Asbestos Cancer, is a rare form of cancer which occurs in the mesothelium – The thin protective membranes covering our internal organs, especially those found in the chest and abdomen areas. As the name ‘Asbestos Cancer’ implies, Mesothelioma Cancer is in most cases linked to some previous exposure to Asbestos, especially inhalation of Asbestos dust or vapors, or a history of handling or working with Asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be either malignant or benign. The malignant type of mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of cancer and may be deadly in most cases. This cancer affects the tissue known as the mesothelium, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Almost always this type of cancer is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a kind of fiber present in insulation and building substances because of its resistance to heat, chemical damage, and electricity and is naked to the human eye.