VANCOUVER - Earlier this month, the Vancouver Sun reported that a survey by the BC and Yukon Building and Construction Trades Council had found that 51% of work-related deaths in 2007 were caused by occupational diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The council predicts about 300 deaths a year from asbestos-related diseases for the next five years. Rates of mesothelioma are rising as those people who were exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s become ill.

Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is caused only by asbestos, often takes decades to show symptoms. Because of the length of time between exposure and illness, it can be difficult for those who become ill to show a direct cause or to seek compensation from those responsible for the illness.

The ancient Greeks realized centuries ago that the slaves who worked in asbestos mines or in making asbestos cloth often developed breathing problems. Still, when asbestos came to be used commercially in the United States, the asbestos and insulation companies advertised their products as safe and hygienic. In order to keep their squeaky clean, safe reputation, the asbestos companies hid the dangers from their workers and the general public.

Because of this, thousands of people a year die of mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses. In addition to mesothelioma, there are other asbestos related diseases, many of which are considered “milder”. Among these is asbestosis, a debilitating condition caused by scarring of the lungs. Asbestos causes the scarring, and fibrous growths and tissues in the lungs, almost like turning the lungs to stone.

Other cancers may also be related to asbestos exposure, including cancer of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver and colorectal systems.

Watching for Symptoms
One of the reasons that the survival rate for mesothelioma is so low is that the symptoms often don’t alert doctors to the presence of cancer. Instead, it is often misdiagnosed for months - and sometimes years before it becomes obvious. Thus, the cancer may not be discovered until it has already reached advanced stages where treatment is not effective.

When the cancer is discovered in the early stages, more aggressive treatments may offer a longer survival rate and better quality of life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma include coughing, chest pain, fluid buildup around the lungs, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

If you were exposed to asbestos or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is vital that your doctor or health provider know about your history. An early diagnosis of mesothelioma can mean the difference between a few short months and many years of life.

In addition, you may consider consulting an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation to discuss your legal options for compensation.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 at 5:45 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Jobsite Exposure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.