There are things around us in our environment that can harm us in ways that we never imagined. For example, some minerals and substances can cause us serious harm, and we might not know how close contact we have had with them. Especially in the manufacturing industry, exposure to harmful chemicals and minerals could negatively affect our physical health. Asbestos is one such chemical that is known to cause life-threatening cancer.
Did you know? Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma cancer. It is a sporadic and dangerous cancer, and several factors contribute to the misinformation around it. The treatment is complex for this type of cancer, and the worst part is that there are many myths and misconceptions about the subject. This article will differentiate fact from fiction and talk about the causes and preventive measures for mesothelioma. Below, we’ve listed some of the myths to look out for and the truth about mesothelioma.
Asbestos is no longer on the market.
Asbestos may have become limited compared to before. However, the mineral is still commonly found in certain products household on the market. It’s great to see companies working towards curbing the use altogether, but assuming that the mineral is not used at all is a seriously harmful misconception.
You can still find the mineral in several products and services in the market. For example, one of the most common products to find asbestos in is roofing shingles. Moreover, you could often find the mineral in anything from the electrical and plumbing systems to the floor tiling solutions in older buildings.
Hence, the reason why mesothelioma cancer was so prevalent in the construction industry. Though it’s still fairly common, the rates have indeed dropped compared to the past, where there was a fair deal of ignorance and negligence.
Mesothelioma is solely a disease of the lungs.
You may think that this illness and lung cancer are somewhat synonymous, but the effects of this disease can span further than just the lungs. The conditions affect the lining on the surface of the lungs and can be tricky for doctors to deal with. Some people think that the illness only affects the lungs, but that’s not true. It also affects the lining of your stomach.
Moreover, though it is infrequent, this kind of cancer can even damage the lining of your heart and cause severe complications in that regard. Assuming that this cancer only affects your lungs is a myth that needs to be done away with. We need to understand that the effects of the illness span far and wide and can even cause issues with reproductive organs in extreme cases.
Direct exposure and asbestos
Previous theories suggest that only direct exposure leads to asbestos poisoning and the development of cancer. Though people with direct exposure are significantly at risk for the illness, the truth is that indirect exposure can be just as harmful. The asbestos issue is that it can settle onto just about anything once it’s in the air. That means it can rest on your clothes, your hair, and whatever it is that comes in its way. When you meet your colleagues after a job, you unknowingly bring them into contact with the mineral. If the mineral is in your hair or on your clothes, they passively breathe the harmful substance and potentially set themselves up for lung cancer.
If you know that you are dealing with asbestos, it would be best to avoid contact with other people to ensure that no one contracts the illness because of you. Wash off or change your clothes immediately after exposure to asbestos dust. Not only are you doing yourself a favor, but you might also be saving others from passively contracting the illness.
Lawyers exaggerate the dangers of asbestos.
You’ll often find big construction corporations suggesting that lawyers grossly overestimate the dangers posed by asbestos exposure. In the early years of research into asbestos, various companies refused to admit that they knowingly exposed their workers to high levels of asbestos exposure. It was later known to affect several respiratory diseases. These cases often led to highly publicized cases, where workers would sue their employers for unsafe work conditions.
So, while the effects of mesothelioma exposure may be shrouded in highly contested legal battles, they are in no way exaggerated. Asbestos exposure isn’t just the leading cause of mesothelioma; it is the only cause of it.
Wearing a mask can prevent mesothelioma.
Many imagine that they can remove asbestos themselves if they wear a mask. While you should always wear a respirator if you’re knowingly going near asbestos, it isn’t the only protection you need. Asbestos particles are hazardous and difficult to get rid of, as discussed earlier.
Furthermore, the particles are microscopic. If you don’t have a suitable mask, they can enter your airways as per usual. If you’re handling asbestos, you need to wear certified, full-body equipment to prevent exposure. Furthermore, you need proper training to ensure that you remove the asbestos entirely while limiting exposure.
Conclusion
Combating mesothelioma can be an incredibly challenging battle, but you can prepare yourself with the correct facts. By keeping in mind the hazards, you can have a better chance of limiting exposure and helping your loved ones do the same. Despite its rare nature, it’s easy to find a lot of misinformation. However, we hope this guide helped break down some of the myths surrounding the topic and helps you better prevent exposure