More miners and subcontract workers getting mesothelioma
Workers in a mine in Balangero, Italy were told they would be safe from getting mesothelioma because the chrysotile asbestos in the mine didn’t have tremolite fibers. An early report of “only two pleural cancers” was given as evidence that chrysotile asbestos wasn’t very dangerous.
In 2008, after a longer-term followup, 14 mine workers, subcontractors, and on-site office workers, and 13 processing factory employees and nearby residents have all been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The greatest danger of asbestos exposure is, the damage is generally so far in the future that the facts about present risk and long-term consequences can be easily misrepresented. If you have any suspicions that you or someone you know may be or have been exposed to asbestos, make sure to find a doctor who understands the disease process and is experienced at identifying early symptoms. Early detection and treatment can mean a great deal toward helping the patient enjoy the highest quality of life.
With the news of all these additional workers at the mine coming down with mesothelioma, one of the most important points is easy to miss. Thirteen of the new cases of mesothelioma found in the last few years weren’t even among the official miners. They were people who either worked in the office, processed products outside the mine, or were employed as workers by a subcontractor company working on the project.
In one report, “…results suggest that…any assessment of the burden of disease caused by asbestos should include workers hired by the subcontracting firms” and their names added to studies—a process rarely followed. This means many people have never been counted and more still are not being counted in the statistics for mesothelioma and other lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure.
With the addition of the names of those who subcontracted on mining and manufacturing of asebestos-laden prodcuts, the devastation of this disease is clearly even more widespread than initially thought.
Don’t wait. If you ever worked for a company that had you working in areas that contained asbestos, contact a mesothelioma-trained doctor to assess your condition now and to keep in touch with as the years go by. Early detection and treatment can provide critical extra time to patients and their families. And there is always hope that one day scientists may find a way to slow or even halt the ravages of mesothelioma.
Our website offers more information and resources about mesothelioma, patient care, and your legal rights.
Visit our website to learn about alternative medicine and other resources to help you <a href="http://www.mesotheliomaadvice.org/resources/mesothelioma-resources.asp" target=blank>manage the stress of living with mesothelioma.</a> Or you can call us for information at 800.443.6353, or <a href="mailto:help@mesothliomaadvice.org">email us</a>. We have many years of experience helping mesothelioma patients and their families with information, resources, and guidance on their legal rights.
