Court Reporter Columbus, OH

Posts Tagged ‘disease’

Malignant mesotheliomas are neoplastic growth of the mesothelial cells in the body. Mesothelial cells are found in the lining of various body cavities. To name, the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and the testes are lined by these cells. The majority of malignant mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, accounting for almost 90% of all cases.

It is a well known fact that asbestos exposure is the principal inciting factor in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma, causing about 80% of the occurrence of malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos was extensively used in the 1930s as a component in a variety of household parts and commercial products. Ever since the discovery of its potential role in the development of malignant mesothelioma in the late 1960s, a lot of effort sanctioned by the U.S. federal government has been put into replacing asbestos with safer synthetic minerals and products, especially in those products that are used in building houses and accessorizing homes. Since 1975, asbestos has been largely replaced by fiberglass or slag wool, in an effort to help minimize unnecessary exposure to this carcinogen.

Most people have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. Asbestos is found almost everywhere in the environment. Asbestos fibers also come off as sloughs from deteriorating asbestos containing products. Only a few people however actually get sick as a consequence of the exposure. Most of the people who have been diagnosed with asbestos related disease have been the ones that worked in professions that allowed an exposure to asbestos for a significant period of time. Some family members of these workers also came to be diagnosed with asbestos related illnesses. Asbestos that clung to the worker’s clothes, skin and hair as they entered their homes was the nidus for the exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is still not completely avoidable. Federal laws mandate that if exposure to asbestos cannot be avoided, then this fact should be properly disclosed to workers and consumers alike. Failure of certain parties to abide by these laws has resulted in the filing of a number of lawsuits and claims against responsible parties.

Knowing the exact extent of each patient’s asbestosis is necessary so to plan the appropriate management strategy.