Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found among people who are continuously exposed to asbestos. Statistics indicate that around 70 percent to 80 percent of the cases reported all over the world are of people getting directly exposed or indirectly exposed to asbestos during work.
However, there are cases of mesothelioma, where the victim was had never contacted asbestos even once in his life time. Also, not everyone who is heavily exposed to asbestos develop this disease.
On the lighter side there is some good news for smokers. The belief that smoking can lead to mesothelioma is totally baseless. However, for people working in asbestos dominant environment, smoking can act as a catalyst and increase the chances of lung cancer.
High Risk Occupations:
Following is a comprehensive list of occupation people involved in which are at a higher risk of contacting this disease. The risk factor involved is different for each of these occupations depending on the intensity of asbestos exposure and the time period for which the person is exposed. For most of these occupation the risk factor is very low, as low as 0.1% in most of the cases.
Asbestos Workers
Auto Mechanics
Blacksmith
Boilermakers
Brick Masons
Carpenters
Chemical Techs
Clothing Ironers
Construction
Cosmetologists
Drafters
Drywall Tapers
Firefighters
Furnace Technicians
Gas Station Attendant
Insulation Workers
Iron Workers
Machinists
Masons
Merchant Marines
Metal Lathers
Material Movers
Mine Workers
Molders
Woodworker
Textile Workers
Teachers
Steamfitters
Shipyard Workers
Shipbuilders
Sheetmetal Servicemen
Sanders
Railroad
Power Plant
Oil Refinery
Insulators
Pipe Fitters
Plumbers
Electricians
Painters
Plasters
Crane Operators
Floor Coverers
Pot Tenders
Welders
Paper Mill Workers
Custodians
Steam Fitters
Tile Setters
Aerospace
Aircraft Mechanic
Building Engineers
Demolition Crews
Telephone Linemen
Packing/Gasket Manufactorin Workers
Protective Clothing Manufactoring
Rubber Worker
Warehouse Worker
Home Improvement
Hospital
Schools
Loading Docks
Glass Factory Worker
Building Inspectors
Bulldozer Operator
Manufacturing Inspectors
Excavating machine operators
Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Job and Die setters
Insurance Adjusters and Investigators
Building Managers
Mixing Operatives
Sculptors
Sawyers
Teachers
Tinsmiths
Weavers
Hot Carriers
Winding Operatives
TechnicianAsbestos use is also associated with a number of occupations other than those listed above.
A unique feature of asbestos-related injuries is the long latency period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the injury or disease. For mesothelioma, the latency period is between 15 and 50 years. That means that a person could have been exposed to asbestos 50 years ago, and develop mesothelioma today. The average mesothelioma latency period is approximately 35 - 40 years.
Another important point to note is that the disease is three times more common in men than in women. In men, the occurrence of mesothelioma is ten times higher in men between the ages of 60-70 as compared to men between the ages of 30-40.
Preliminary Preventive Measures:
The risk of people getting affected by this deadly disease is increasing by the day. A little bit of precaution for the workers of the aforementioned occupation can go a long way in reducing the risks involved with their occupation. The safety and health administrating government bodies have identified the need of reinforcing laws to regulate the asbestose content at any work place. These bodies usually sets acceptable levels of asbestos at any workplace. Also, protective equipments(masks) are available that can filter the air before a worker inhales it.
To prevent indirect exposure to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers should always take a shower and change their clothing before going to any public place immediately after work.