Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. There are three types of Mesothelioma, Pleural (lung), Peritoneal (abdominal), and Pericardial (heart). The cancer develops as a result of breathing in asbestos fibers, so over seventy percent of all cases are Pleural. It can be fatal but it can also be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Although developed nations no longer use asbestos in the construction process, there is a significant danger to workers in the demolition field. Older buildings are being torn down that have asbestos insulation and the men and women involved in the work are at risk of contracting Mesothelioma, a disease that may not show up until years or even decades later.
On September 11, 2001, two thousand nine hundred seventy six (2976) people died when two commercial airliners hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. Thousands more were affected by asbestos exposure from the dust that arose when the towers crashed down. The long term effects of this tragedy will be felt for decades by New Yorkers who lived and worked in the area.
The SS Blue Lady, otherwise known as the SS Norway and previously the SS France, was finally scrapped after a two year battle over the environmental and health hazards workers would be exposed to in demolishing her. The ship which was once the largest and fastest cruise liner in the world was finally disassembled on July 12, 2008 when her bow was removed and sent to Paris to be displayed as a national monument.
These instances are just two of many that put demolition workers and nearby residents at risk from asbestos exposure and in danger of coming down with the cancer known as Mesothelioma. It’s not just a danger in third world countries like India and Pakistan where the ship wrecking yards are located. There are plenty of buildings in the United States and the UK that are riddled with asbestos and will be taken down at some point. If you’re in the demolition field make sure you know what you’re working with.
Author: Kevin D. Flynn
Kevin.d.Flynn@gmail.com
http://www.theanswertoyourquestion.com/health-and-wellness/mesothelioma/
