The Killer Personality Of Mesothelioma Asbestos
A single layer of compressed cubical cells cover our vital organs. This layer is named mesothelium and it lines the serous cavities of our body. When the minute particles of mesothelioma asbestos get deposited in it, the cells of mesothelium become carcenogenic. Slowly and gradually it spreads to the adjacent organs and their functions are ruffled. The victim so has a early death. According to statistics exposure to asbestos is the reason behind nearly ninety p.c of all mesothelioma cases.
Immense industrial use is there for asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral. Being flexible and strong it is used in making roof shingles, cement, insulation, textiles etc. The problem with asbestos is that in the manufacturing process, thin fibers float in the air. This is inhaled or swallowed by the workers and the particles reach the mesothelium. Functions of macrophages are changed by the fibers of this material resulting in the development of suitable conditions for mesothelioma development. Mesothelioma asbestos has the capacity to retard the proper functioning of our immune system by activating oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, error prone DNA repair enzymes and deactivating tumor suppressor genes.
Mesothelioma risks are greater among people residing near asbestos mines. The most risk prone category is the workers working in the factories where asbestos is used as raw material. The risk factor can be reduced greatly by wearing protective gear while dealing with asbestos.
Even family members of the workers are not spared. They may also fall victims to the cancer through the particles carried by the worker’s hair and clothes. In order to avoid this, workers should go home after a bath and changing clothes. Some construction materials, especially the ones used for insulation contain asbestos, which can put the lives of the residents in jeopardy.
Mesothelioma symptoms start showing only many years after asbestos exposure particles. By then the situation turns irretrievable in several cases. But proper and prompt diagnosis joined with meticulous treatment measures has extended the lifespan of many people around us. Surgery, medicine, radiation and some modern treatments like gene care are partially useful in the struggle against this worrying malaise. But the only way is to avoid coming into contact with mesothelioma asbestos or using protective widgets while handling the compound.