The industrial diseases are growing at alarming speed. These are the diseases those occur as a result of one or other substances used in the industry. One of the major substances that lead to problems is asbestos. The asbestos industries emit asbestos fibers in the air. Within premises if one works without mask, these fibers may be inhaled those stick to the mesothelium of the lung or abdomen. These particles are very sticky and may remain in the lungs for years. They then develop cancerous growth in the area leading to mesothelioma.
The asbestos exposure may happen during tenure in the related industry. But the patient develops symptoms of mesothelioma quite late, may be after 1 or 2 decades. That’s why diagnosing a case of mesothelioma cancer is always tricky and one has to go for specialized investigative procedures like CT scan and MRI scan before labeling the disease. The cancer however takes a very tricky course and many times it is diagnosed after being spread to lymph nodes or even distant organs.
Therefore our intention should be to avoid the mesothelioma altogether by taking apt precautionary measures. Some governments like UK Government have set desired levels of asbestos in asbestos industries. Such steps help curb the menace for sure. But still in many parts of developing world, mesothelioma is a common occurrence and stringent steps are needed to prevent the cancer. Mere use of a well-fitting mask is enough to prevent the cancer. It’s high time the employers should understand the importance of employee safety and participate in the drive to eradicate mesothelioma!