 Naturally occurring asbestos can cause mesothelioma
A recent study by University of California – Davis researchers has found that exposure to ultramafic rock, the source of most asbestos, can lead to mesothelioma. This form of cancer invades the lining around the lungs, heart, or other organs. It is usually incurable and hard to detect, invading nearby organs and tissues, and ultimately spreading to other parts of the body.
Asbestos has been a known carcinogen for decades and about 2,500 people in the U.S. die from mesothelioma every year. Besides cancer, it can also cause a range of lung diseases and conditions in people who breathe in asbestos fibers. Most cases are work place related, especially shipyards, though it was widely used in products and insulation in homes up until the 1970s. However this study shows that people living near ultramafic rock have a small but real risk of developing mesothelioma. Dr. Marc Schenker, chair of the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences and lead author of the paper, said that “…public efforts should now shift to understanding the risk an how we can protect people from this preventable malignancy.” Researchers conducted the study by analyzing data from the California Cancer Registry and comparing that to a California Department of Conservation survey map of ultramafic rock locations. After overlaying the address of the 2,908 mesothelioma patients with the survey map, researchers found that risk of developing mesothelioma was indeed higher for residents living near ultramafic rock. The risk decreased by 6.3 percent for every 6.2 miles further away that people lived from the rock. The study included a control group of pancreatic cancer patients to measure if there was any difference in their cancers compared to their relative residential location, and none was found. This is the most conclusive study linking naturally occurring asbestos with the deadly disease. And, as Dr. Schenker suggests, it has been identified as a proven health risk – though what authorities will do to help reduce the risk for people living near ultramafic rock remains to be seen. However, by far the largest cause of mesothelioma is work-related. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or other lung diseases while working with asbestos, contact an asbestos lawyer at Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case review. This dangerous and potentially deadly fiber needs to be well controlled in any circumstance, and failing to protect workers could represent negligence. Don’t shoulder the burden of medical bills and lost work as well as the disease. Let an Adler personal injury lawyer assist you. Click on the link on this page or contact Jim S. Adler & Associates directly for a free case review. Learn your rights, and make sure they are protected. DISCLAIMER: The Texas law firm of Jim S. Adler & Associates, with offices at 3D/International Tower, 1900 West Loop South, 20th Floor, Houston, Texas 77027, is licensed to practice in Texas. Nonetheless, the law firm also works in conjunction with local and outside counsel to litigate claims in other states as necessary, including: Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming Jim S. Adler & Associates also has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887; Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas); and San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237. |