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Occupational
Lung Diseases: Prevention
Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Silicosis, Pneumconiosis,Byssinosis
Prevention of occupational lung diseases centers
mainly on regulation and management of the environment containing
these dangerous substances. Prosecution attorney's specializing
in mesothelioma claims have been active in securing citizen's
rights. Such measures ensure that regulations are enforced
and implemented, so that future generations do not have to
suffer through exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos
and silica. These diseases are the result of inhalation of
hazardous substances. An essential step for any worker exposed
to harmful substances sis to take out a hazardous material
insurance to safeguard himself and his family.
Asbestos is one of the greatest causes of work-related deaths
in the developed world. Disturbing statistics reveal that
every year, as many as 25,000 American workers die from lung
diseases contracted on the job. In the UK the numbers are
around 3500 workers per annum, of workers who die from ‘Asbestos
Related Diseases’, which include mesothelioma and asbestosis.
In some cases, the same patient may develop more than one
type of asbestos related disease.
A steep rise in the fatality figures over the
next 10 years has been predicted for diseases that result
from exposure to asbestos.
The use of asbestos has declined over the past
25 years, following introduction of protective clothing and
other safety measures. However, because there can be a time
lag of upto 50 years between first exposure to asbestos and
the development of mesothelioma and asbestosis, the number
of deaths are on the rise. As a result mesothelioma and asbestosis
have become a highly important health and safety issue that
all governments, and all corporations need to address.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis tends to
develop in people who have experienced intense exposure.
Unfortunately, once contracted, neither asbestosis nor
mesothelioma can be reversed. The disease progresses even
after exposure is discontinued.
Silicosis, which is caused by inhalation
of silica, affects people who work with sandstone, slate,
granite etc. It has been estimated that about 3 million
workers in the US have been exposed
to silica dust. The acute form of silicosis, tends to
develop after a few months of intensive exposure to silica
- and it can lead to death in under a year.
These diseases, although rarely curable,
are always preventable. But precautions have to be taken
to minimize exposure. The UK has introduced, in May -05
some stringent amendments to its laws in order to promote
correct management of asbestos. These amendments to the
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (2002) will affect
everyone responsible for the maintenance of commercial
property and can ultimately leave them personally open
to prosecution.
Here are some measures that can be taken
to protect workers from these toxic and deadly substances
:
- improve ventilation
- wear protective clothing & equipment to cover the nose
and mouth
- change work procedures
- educate employees about the dangers
-
ban/stop smoking since cigarettes can enhance
the risk by 75-100 times
-
undertake asbestos surveying by professionals
-
check for the presence of asbestos when /if
repairing a pre-1970 house
-
introduce asbestos inspection and sampling
of buildings prior to demolition
- Pursuing a different approach towards prevention, scientists
have been seeking ways of neutralizing asbestos fibers released
into the atmosphere. Italian researcher Bice Fubini and her
colleagues at the University of Turin have discovered that a
eugenol extracted from cloves has the properties to safely neutralize
deadly asbestos fibres. They developed a procedure by which
a combination of the eugenol Phenylpropan, which occurs also
in carnations, and hydrogen peroxide hardens on contact with
asbestos fibers within a short time to a polymer. The krebserregenden
fibers are embedded surely into the polymer and as they do not
whirl in the air, they are not inhalable.
However, whether this polymer can be allowed
to remain in the reorganized buildings or whether they need
to be removed is still unclear.
Symptoms
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Diagnosis
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Treatment
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Prognosis
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung Diseases
Causes
of
Mesothelioma & Occupational Lung
Diseases
Malignant Mesothelioma
Treatment Centers
Mesothelioma
Treatment Options
Mesothelioma
& Lung Cancer Articles
Asbestos
and Lung Cancer
Asbestos-the
Silent Killer
Early
detection of the disease is the key
Mesothelioma
Cancer Early Warning Signs
Three
main symptoms to lung cancer
What
is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
What
You Need To Know About Lung Cancer
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