Friday, October 2, 2009

Mesothelioma Asbestos And Its Deadly Nature

By Heidi Wingrain

Internal organs of the human body are protected by a single layer of compacted cells called mesothelium. The serous cavities of our body are lined by this layer. While coming into contact with asbestos, particles of mesothelioma asbestos gets deposited in the cell of this layer, thereby turning it cancerous. This slowly affects the adjoining organs hampering their functions and resulting in death. About 90% of all mesothelioma cases happen due to asbestos exposure alone.

Immense industrial use is there for asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral. Being flexible and strong it is used in making roof shingles, cement, insulation, textiles etc. The problem with asbestos is that in the manufacturing process, thin fibers float in the air. This is inhaled or swallowed by the workers and the particles reach the mesothelium. Functions of macrophages are changed by the fibers of this material resulting in the development of suitable conditions for mesothelioma development. Mesothelioma asbestos has the capacity to retard the proper functioning of our immune system by activating oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, error prone DNA repair enzymes and deactivating tumor suppressor genes.

Mesothelioma risks are greater among people residing near asbestos mines. The most risk prone category is the workers working in the factories where asbestos is used as raw material. The risk factor can be reduced greatly by wearing protective gear while dealing with asbestos.

Even family members of the workers are not spared. They may also fall victims to the cancer through the particles carried by the worker's hair and clothes. In order to avoid this, workers should go home after a bath and changing clothes. Some construction materials, especially the ones used for insulation contain asbestos, which can put the lives of the residents in jeopardy.

The symptoms of mesothelioma would be visible only many years after the exposure to the asbestos particles. This hinders the effectiveness of treatment. If the diagnosis is done early and proper treatment taken, the life of the patient can be increased to some extent. Traditional and modern therapies like gene therapy are used to fight against the disease. But prevention is always better than cure. Avoiding the exposure to mesothelioma asbestos and handling the compound with protective gadgets will help to resist the malaise.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment