Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that despite federal restrictions on the commercial use of asbestos, workers who were exposed to asbestos-containing products on the job decades ago may still be at risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America is recommending workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job and have developed symptoms akin to mesothelioma, lung cancer or other illnesses consider their options with medical treatment including participation in clinical trials of new drugs demonstrating the promise of cure for mesothelioma cancer.

History of Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a cancer-causing material that was commonly used for commercial, industrial and construction purposes before being restricted in the U.S. during the 1970s. However, because workers may take as many as 50 years after exposure to develop symptoms of an asbestos disease, many workers who worked with asbestos on the job are only now showing signs of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer or other related conditions.

Mesothelioma is the most deadly disease associated with asbestos exposure and is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the heart, lungs and abdomen.  Data collected and statistics compiled by the CDC demonstrate the  states with the highest number of mesothelioma deaths which include California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois and Washington. More than half of all mesothelioma deaths in the United States are recorded in these eight states.

Sources of Asbestos Exposure Causing Mesothelioma

Because of the wide variety of commercial applications for asbestos, workers across many industries may be at risk of developing an asbestos disease. Some of the job sites most commonly associated with asbestos-related cancers and other conditions include construction sites, oil refineries, power plants, shipyards, chemical plants, aluminum plants, metal works and steel mills.

Veterans of the U.S. Navy or Merchant Marines may also be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases due to the asbestos products that were used on board ships. Workers at U.S. naval shipyards as well as private sector shipyards that were used by the Navy may also have been exposed to asbestos products or protective materials.

Conclusion

Individuals who were exposed to asbestos and have developed symptoms of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease should seek a  professional medical opinion.  The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (a not-for-profit research organization) provides free access to our mesothelioma research team for answers to your medical questions.  Simply Ask Dr. Gil.