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Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer type which is linked to asbestos. This mineral was used in many different industries over the years before it was banned. Some of the industries included shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction.
A person who has prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers has a high chance of developing mesothelioma. While anyone can be exposed to asbestos, some groups of people have a higher risk due to their lifestyle or occupation. In this article, we’ll explore who has a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Firefighters
According to the CDC, the leading cause of death amongst firefighters is cancer. Firefighters who worked on building fires in the 1980s have an especially higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to the use of asbestos in fireproofing materials. While these days building codes have improved to remove asbestos from new builds and materials, houses from the 1980s or before may still have asbestos in them.
As fires occur in these buildings, the fuels and smoke can carry asbestos fibers in the air. Without proper PPE equipment, firefighters have a higher risk of inhaling these fibers, causing long term risk to developing mesothelioma and other cancers. They can also be exposed to asbestos if a rescue is required from an older building. This is why it’s important for firefighters to wear the appropriate gear when dealing with any old buildings.
Navy Veterans
Navy veterans who served during the 1970s or before have a high risk of developing mesothelioma. This is because of the widespread use of asbestos in submarines, naval facilities, and ships.
Asbestos was common in shipbuilding and was used in insulation, electrical systems, pipes, and engine rooms. Living in close quarters with asbestos meant sailors were exposed to it on a regular basis. For navy veterans, mesothelioma generally develops 20 to 50 years after the exposure. In some cases, veterans are accounting for a higher number of people who are diagnosed.
For more information on navy veterans and mesothelioma, there are a number of resources available online which can help guide veterans or their families in the right direction for seeking advice.
Laborers
Laborers like roofers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and gyprockers are especially vulnerable to developing mesothelioma. Due to the amount of old houses which predate the 1980s, workers who need to do jobs on these houses, come into contact with asbestos or have done so in the past. Something as simple as drilling a hole in the wall can push fibers into the air.
In old houses asbestos can be found in plaster, flooring, cement, walls, pipes, fireproofing, and boilers. When removing this material, homeowners need to call professional asbestos removal experts first and have them remove the specific area containing asbestos. This makes it safe for everyone involved.
Miners and Factory Workers
According to the NCBI, 1.55% of miners will develop lung cancer during their working life. Those who work in the mines or in manufacturing factories related to mined asbestos are also at risk of mesothelioma. In several parts of the world, asbestos was mined and those workers were exposed to a high level of dust. This direct exposure puts them at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.
Factory workers who worked in manufacturing plants which made asbestos related products are also at high risk of developing cancer. In manufacturing plants, some products may have been sawed or cut. This allowed for direct exposure of the fibers that went into the air. While asbestos manufacturing has since stopped, the effects of those who used to work in these mines and factories will continue for the rest of their lives.
Endnote
Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis for anyone who’s had exposure to asbestos in the past. If you’ve been newly diagnosed it’s important to get all the information from your doctor as soon as possible so you know what your options are.
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