Mesothelioma Causes and Prevention

Mesothelioma cancer is a rapidly increasing threat to the people which has already killed thousands of Americans, and it continues to be diagnosed at an alarming rate. One of the main reason for this rapid increase is because of the lack of awareness among people about this peculiar disease.

People often ask how to prevent mesothelioma. Although most Americans are not yet aware of the threat of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases, the family members and friends of mesothelioma victims are acutely concerned about how to prevent mesothelioma from striking others. This is one of the major reason for me to write this article.

Origin of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is closely related to the term Asbestos, a mineral used in many products that we encounter on a daily basis which is the main cause for this type of cancer. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the use of asbestos was cut back extensively by government regulation. But we must accept the truth that we all use Asbestos on day to day basis in our life. Places like School, Work places and in public building.

Asbestos At Work

If you have (or your loved one has) a job working with asbestos, it's a good idea to either look for other work or try to ensure that all possible asbestos-related safety precautions are being followed. Some of the jobs that present the highest risk of mesothelioma cancer are:

Asbestos manufacturing and removal, also known as asbestos abatement
Insulation manufacturing, installation, and removal
Factory workers
Miners
Construction workers
Railroad workers
Ship building and shipyard workers
Gas mask manufacturers
Automotive repair (brakes and clutches may contain asbestos)

Asbestos At Home

It's possible to safely remove asbestos from your home by yourself, older homes may well contain materials with asbestos if you suspect that there is asbestos in your home. Be sure to check the sample of the building material tested in a laboratory. Look in a phone directory under "asbestos removal" for a place to start. The best bet may be to hire a certified asbestos abatement/removal contractor.

Asbestos In Public Buildings

Some theaters, schools, libraries, office buildings and other public buildings that were constructed before the 1980s have asbestos components. Asbestos that is in place and not disturbed is not thought to present a risk of mesothelioma cancer, but if you suspect that any of a building's components (such as ceiling tiles or plumbing insulation) are becoming friable and dangerous, bring it to the attention of city authorities. Many municipalities have already begun campaigns to rid their aging schools of asbestos.