Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral consisting of strong, flexible fibers, which can be partitioned and woven into insulation material. Mining of asbestos began late in the 19th century and the use of asbestos escalated in the 1940′s. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Tiny particles of asbestos invade the body through inhalation or ingestion and become embedded in the linings of body cavities. Asbestos limits and stricter protocols for workers handling asbestos were instituted in the 1970′s, when the health risks started to become apparent.
Mesothelioma occurs when the cells of the mesothelium, a two-layer lining of the internal organs, become abnormal and attack the organ or spread to other parts of the body. There are three malignant types of mesothelioma: