Mesothelioma Victims Urge United States to Eliminate Asbestos Use

Mesothelioma is a very serious matter in the United States. It is a deadly form of cancer that forms in the lining of the body’s internal organs, known as the mesothelium. Approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. Around 2,500 people die each year due to this disease.

There is only one known cause of this form of cancer: asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once used in many applications. It was known as a cost effective form of insulation and was used in the construction of many homes, office buildings, and naval ships.

Mesothelioma is particularly difficult to diagnose and treat because of its unusually long latency period. It is not uncommon for symptoms to manifest decades after the initial exposure to asbestos. Because of this, the disease is typically in very late stages when the patient begins treatment. Also, because of the long latency period, the dangers of asbestos exposure were not fully known until after it had been widely used.

Though much effort has been made in safely removing asbestos from where it has been used, many homes and buildings still contain deadly amounts of the material. Those who work in removing this harmful substance place themselves in life threatening danger. Though safety precautions are often taken to minimize the risk associated with asbestos abatement, many workers are placed in great risk due to negligence. Occasionally, immigrant workers are placed in danger due to language barriers and lack of proper warning signs.

In addition to being the sole known cause of mesothelioma, asbestos presents numerous other health concerns. Asbestos is also known to cause lung cancer, which presents similar symptoms as mesothelioma in its early stages, and asbestosis, another serious disease that affects the lungs.

Despite the known dangers, asbestos is still found in many places across the United States and Canada. Also, there is no complete ban of asbestos use in North America. Partial bans exist, but have only been in place for the past few decades.

In December 2011, a joint declaration was issued by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Canadian Voices of Asbestos Victims, two organizations formed to help increase safety standards in regards to asbestos. This declaration was issued to urge the leaders of the United States and Canada to take steps to eliminate asbestos use and asbestos-related diseases, as well as to develop safer alternatives.

Data presented included information about the prevalence of asbestos in America. According to the declaration, there are an estimated 35 million homes and business insulated with Zonolite, an asbestos based product. This product is often left exposed in the attics of older homes, spreading the fibers around the items in storage. This endangers millions of Americans each year.

The declaration also mentions that, despite the known dangers, the United States imported an estimated 820 metric tons of asbestos in the first seven months of last year (2010). In addition, approximately 90 percent of this asbestos was imported from Canada.

In February of next year, 2012, these organizations (ADAO and Canadian Voices of Asbestos Victims) will present the declaration, as well as a list of supporters, to the Canadian Prime Minister and the United States President.

Many of the people involved in these organizations have been personally touched by an asbestos-related disease; however, with thousands of deaths each year, many more supporters are needed. Raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos could save lives. Many are still unaware of the dangers of asbestos or how to identify the material, especially children. More awareness may lead to more supporters of the abatement and a complete ban of asbestos use. Finding an alternative to asbestos would save thousands of lives each year.

Researchers are currently working on more effective treatment plans specifically for mesothelioma, but a cure is still likely years away. While the current cases of mesothelioma are difficult to treat, it is possible to prevent future generations from facing this horrible form of cancer.