The History Of Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma
Keywords: mesothelioma, asbestos
Asbestos is a fiber that was once used in construction as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos fibers are small and toxic, easily entering the body through the lungs and causing a number of health problems. Exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the meosthelium or protective lining that covers the body’s internal organs, most notably the lining of the lungs and chest, known as the pleura. While mesothelioma can be caused by other factors, the majority of cases are linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related mesothelioma first gained attention in 1929 when the first lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers was filed. Both sides settled and agreed to avoid pursuing similar cases in the future, and asbestos harmful effects yet again dropped off the radar.
In 1960, however, asbestos and mesothelioma were in the news again. In a paper published by Wagner et al, asbestos was declared as the official cause of mesothelioma. The paper cited more than 30 cases of mesothelioma in people who were either working in asbestos mines or spent a good deal of time in proximity to asbestos. Two years later, an Australian asbestos worker was diagnosed with the first case of malignant mesothelioma. He worked in the asbestos mines in Wittenoom, Australia for just two years before developing the disease.
Wittenoom would eventually become a mesothelioma nightmare. A mining town that revolved around the asbestos mills, the mines asbestos waste had an affect on many who lived there, whether or not they worked in the mines. Toxic levels of the mines asbestos were found on playgrounds, and cases of mesothelioma began to crop up in mine workers and non-mine workers alike. Mining in Wittenoom lasted from 1943 to 1966 despite the existence of proof that asbestos caused mesothelioma and other serious medical conditions.
The mines were owned and operated by CSR Limited, a company that produced aluminum and construction materials including asbestos insulation. The company didn’t take proper safety precautions to control the exposure of individuals to asbestos from the mines.
In fact, during the period that CSR Limited Wittenoom mines were in operation, thousands of mine workers, their families, and visitors were exposed to lethal amounts of asbestos. There were regulations in place at the time as to how to control asbestos exposure for mine operators; CSR Limited simply didn’t follow them.
The Western Australia Health Department issued several warnings to CSR, but they failed to make any changes to protect the miners and townspeople, even after many cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases began to spring up.
In the late 1970’s the Western Australian government began shutting down the town of Wittenoom because it was no longer safe to live there. Asbestos levels were far too toxic, and, eventually, at least a third of those exposed to asbestos in Wittenoom would be diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
In 1979, suits were brought against CSR Limited, and they were found to have shown conscious negligence and disregard for the safety of the mine workers and the town. Even now, new cases of mesothelioma related to the Wittenoom tragedy are being diagnosed, costing CSR Limited millions of dollars in settlements.
Asbestos is still widely used in many products today, despite its toxicity. Attempts to legislate a ban on asbestos, so far, has been overturned by the courts. The EPA has resources available to provide you with information about asbestos, asbestos-related products, and how to control your asbestos exposure.
AsbestosNews specializes in mesothelioma cancer information and news.
www.asbestosnews.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
5 Things You Must Have To Succeed In Affiliate Marketing (1)
There are no deadlines to meet and no clutter of work do to. One only needs to be equipped with the tools needed to succeed in a business such as this, and he is bound to get what his heart ultimately desires.
Make Your Dream Of A Home Based Business A Reality (2)
The good news is that there is plenty of help available, in the form of business organizations. 4. Give your business ideas the home-based business test: The fact is that not all businesses are going to work well as home-based businesses, and some wont work at all.
What Are The Three Keys To Self-Improvement And Motivation? (3)
Include more ambitious grand-goals that may take years to complete. Refer to this plan throughout the year. Can a business plan really help motivate you? Of course!
Make Money Online With Affiliate Programs (4)
If you do not have your own product to advertise on your website, there are literally millions of affiliate programs on the Internet who do have products and will pay you commissions to sell their products from your website.
What Bus Are You On? (5)
The blue bus is evil. Blue passengers are evil, and should be killed. The world we live in today is one of Positionaries guided by positions, not visionaries guided by vision.
The Basics Of Gaming Consoles (PSP) (6)
As its name suggests, the PSP -- or PlayStation Portable -- is a smaller, lighter version of Sony's PlayStation. It is not as powerful as the PS2, but more powerful than the original PlayStation, and it has a built-in screen and speakers so you don't have to plug it in to anything to use it.
Vacating At Niagara Falls (7)
This is especially due to the fact that during the summer-and especially during daytime-the waterfalls are in their best "shape." Winter sightseeing, on the other hand, has created more than a few debates.
PC Virus Threats (8)
New and improved features enable these enhanced versions of antivirus and antispyware programs to detect, then quarantine and finally remove malicious code, which can harm computer files and/or disrupt a variety of computer functions.
Explore Outdoor Community Service (9)
Ranging from a simple project like a daycare service for young women professionals and their infants, to a more complex one like building the local school facilities of a village in Eastern Africa, community services are part of a global effort to assist another group of people by offering experts advice and the required set of skills.
Tips To Boost Your Employability (10)
- One thing that people can do to boost their employability is to participate in some volunteer work. A rewarding experience in and of itself, volunteering can help you to learn skills that you would not otherwise be able to obtain.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Top 7 Things To Do With Your PSP Besides Play Games (1)
Keywords: psp games, psp movies, psp music, psp downloads, free psp downloads Okay, so most people buy a PSP to play games, right? But what if you are just not sure you need another game system?
Curious If Great Deals On Vehicles Really Exist At Government Auctions? The Truth May Surprise You! (2)
A spending cap is critical. There is nothing worse than getting caught in a heated bidding war and paying more than you planned. At any government auction you should always inquire about the buyers premium.
Develop A Thriving Business: The 4-Step Secret You Need To Know That Links Marketing To Selling (3)
There are four simple steps you need to follow in order to develop a thriving business. The Waterfall of Business Development Growing a thriving business is a lot like running a waterfall rapid in a kayak.
The Emergence Of Portable Media Players - IPod (4)
PortalPlayer had previously been working on an IBM-branded MP3 player with Bluetooth headphones. Apple contracted another company, Pixo, to help design and implement the user interface, under the direct supervision of Steve Jobs.
Self Improvement Tips For Wealth Creation? Getting Rich Starts From Within (5)
Dont try to fake being contented when youre not. If you want to dream, dream big. If you need to create goals for yourself, make them big enough to incorporate what you want in life.
A Crucial Tip To Observe When Selling Your Photos (6)
Your humble photo may be the central image on a web page that generates thousands of dollars each month in sales. You may already have an inkling of this but it is very important not to forget it whilst you are in the midst of the sales process.
The Professional Fulfillment Of Self Employment (7)
Take the challenge to wave good bye to your boss! You may very well be glad that you did! "The Plug-In Profit Site is the easiest and quickest way that I can think of for the average online entrepreneur to build multiple-streams of income." For More Info, Visit: www.MyAffiliateStarter.com
7 Ways To Drive Laser-Targeted Traffic (8)
The seven best ways to drive laser-targeted traffic to one's own website would help those who are bent on sticking it out with this business wherever it is bound to take them.
Pocket Bike Importers Have The Guidelines To An Enjoyable Ride (9)
A pocket bike is so small that it can be carried under your arm. Surprisingly, though small, it is capable of a great speed. Pocket bikes can be built with many features similar to the common bikes: disc brakes in the front, strong racing tires, fairings, light weight aluminum perimeter frames and swing arms.
Turbo Boost Your Brain Power (10)
Face it; most of us are spoiled by having calculators to do our addition and subtraction. At its core, math embodies the purest form of logic. Letting your basic math skills deteriorate is similar to letting your logical and deductive reasoning take a downslide.