cancer-treatment: 2007

Are Asbestos Fibers Visible to the Eye

If you are in the construction business or employed by an industry that uses products containing asbestos, you may wonder “Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye”? Generally asbestos fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it has broken down into small fibers and is inhaled. It is nearly impossible to detect the presence of asbestos without taking the material to a lab for testing. A lab technician will put the material under a microscope to search for asbestos fibers. Asbestos does not cause an immediate reaction. It will not cause you to cough, sneeze, or your eyes to water. You cannot see, smell, or taste asbestos. If you skin becomes contaminated with asbestos it will not burn or itch.

Asbestos related diseases have a very long latency period. This is the time frame from when you are first exposed to asbestos until you become ill. Most persons do not become ill for at least ten years after exposure and some not until over forty years later. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are all asbestos related diseases. Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lungs. The body will naturally produce an acid to combat the fibers. However, this acid can cause scarring in the tissue of the lungs and in advanced stages breathing becomes more difficult and painful. Asbestosis was first documented in shipyard workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer. If a person smokes and is exposed to asbestos, they have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has only been linked to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the cells that line the peritoneum (area surrounding the abdominal organs) and the pleura (area outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs).

There is a lot of debate and controversy surrounding which types of asbestos is harmful. Some types of asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than others but all types of asbestos exposure should be avoided. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), and tremolite are all types of asbestos. Chrysotile is the type of asbestos most commonly used in manufacturing products.

Asbestos fibers are not visible to the eye. If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most common method for testing is a chest x-ray. The x-ray will not show the asbestos fibers but it can spot early signs of lung disease. There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases.

　

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mesothelioma cancer

MesotheliomaNotice: This website is intended to provide general information about the form of cancer known as "mesothelioma", as well as some of its known causes. This website does not claim to be complete in its discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and causes of mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma has been linked to, among other things, work related exposure to asbestos, issues of legal liability may be present in certain circumstances. The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is simply to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to other resources, which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice. If you think that you have any of the symptoms related to mesothelioma you should contact a doctor immediately. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, or believe that you were exposed to asbestos while on the job, please click here to contact an attorney. This is a free service sponsored by the Law Offices of Patrick K.B. Tracy and there is no charge or obligation for a free case review. A lawyer will review your case at no charge. If you have further questions regarding mesothelioma, please feel free to brows our site and Mesothelioma resources.

What is Malignant Mesothelioma?The National Cancer Institute defines malignant mesothelioma as "as a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart." The medical names for these areas are the pleura, the peritoneum and the pericardium respectively and the lining around these organs is called the "mesothelium".

Malignant Peural mesothelioma therefore, is cancer which is found in the lining of the chest. Malignant Pleural mesothelioma. If Mesothelioma is found in the abdominal cavity it is known as peritoneum mesothelioma. Mesothelioma which is found in the lining of the heart is known as pericardium mesothelioma.

When mesothelioma cancer spreads, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. These malignant cells begin to divide and spread without order and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area. This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs.

MesotheliumThe membrane that surrounds and protects most of the body's internal organs is known as the mesothelium. It is made up of two separate layers of cells. The first is that closest to the organ itself. The second layer is what actually forms the sac around the organ. This membrane is responsible for producing a special lubricating fluid. It is this fluid that allows the organ to move around in the body un-hurt. As noted, the mesothelium has different names depending on which organ it surrounds. The peritoneum is found in the abdominal cavity and the pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity.

The National Cancer Institute states that "[m]ost people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles."

>> Mesothelioma Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure also is the cause of asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage.

If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO MONETARY COMPENSATION!

What is Cancer-health life

Most children who die of cancer are in developing nations. British researchers say only ten percent of children with cancer in these countries survive. They say many more could be saved if their countries had the resources needed to find cancers and treat them.
Around the world, about one-hundred-sixty-six thousand children under age fifteen are found each year to have cancer. The researchers say eighty-four percent of these cases are found in developing countries. But many others go unnoticed.

Children from industrial countries who do get cancer also have a much better chance to survive. For example, more than seventy percent in countries like Britain and the United States are alive after five years.
An organization called Cancer Research United Kingdom announced these numbers to mark International Childhood Cancer Day on February fifteenth. The purpose of the event was to educate the public and raise money for children with cancer.

Cancer Research U-K says fifty-four percent of cancer cases among children strike in Asia. Also, more than half of all child cancer deaths happen in Asia. Africa has twenty-percent of childhood cancer cases and twenty-five percent of the deaths.

Vaskar Saha of Cancer Research U-K is a childhood cancer expert. Professor Saha called for an international campaign against childhood cancer similar to the campaign against AIDS. The goal would be to increase the supply and reduce the cost of drugs to treat cancer in developing countries.

Earlier this month, world trade negotiators1 agreed to continue to look for ways to cut drug prices for developing nations.

Chemotherapy2 drugs kill cancer cells. Drug companies say they have improved this treatment in recent years while reducing harmful side effects. But many developing countries cannot pay for chemotherapy drugs. Another way to fight cancer is to cut out the diseased cells. A third way is to use radiation to target cancer cells.

Scientists say most cancers are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental conditions. There are warning signs of childhood cancer. These can include a white spot in the eye, unusual growths, weight loss and tiredness. Unexplained bleeding, pain and high body temperature are other possible signs.

Small Cell Lung Cancer and Malignant Mesothelioma

Abstract

Overview

Introduction

SCLC accounts for one-fifth of all lung tumor types. More than 80,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2007 in the seven major markets, although it is set to decrease due to changing smoking habits. Mesothelioma is rarer, although incidence is expected to increase in the coming years in Europe and Japan given the heavy use of asbestos in the 1970s and long latency period of the disease.

Scope of this report

Overview of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and mesothelioma, including epidemiology, staging, prognosis and unmet needs
Review of current treatment modalities and physician opinion of existing and future treatment strategies
Evaluation of key drugs currently used in the treatment of SCLC and mesothelioma
Assessment of late-phase drugs in development for SCLC and mesothelioma including key opinion leaders' view on their potential

Research and analysis highlights

Despite decreasing incidence, unmet needs in SCLC remain high due to poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. R&D interest in the disease is low; however, this represents an opportunity for developing companies in the SCLC market.

Alimta is approved for other lung cancer indications including NSCLC and mesothelioma. It is in a Phase III trial in SCLC and Datamonitor believes that, although unlikely to show significant efficacy advantage over current standard, Alimta may potentially demonstrate toxicity advantages, in which case, it may usurp etoposide as standard therapy.

Incidence of malignant mesothelioma may have peaked in the US but is set to increase over the next two decades in Europe and Japan due to the later uptake of asbestos in these markets. Nevertheless, overall incidence of mesothelioma remains low; as is the R&D interest in the disease.

Key reasons to read this report

Evaluate opportunities and risks in the SCLC and mesothelioma markets by analyzing the clinical and commercial attractiveness of key drugs
Assess key success factors that drive the SCLC and mesothelioma markets to estimate the potential of existing and pipeline drugs for the diseases
Understand current and future competitive dynamics of SCLC and mesothelioma to determine the future size and scope of the markets

ABOUT HEALTHCARE
- About the Oncology pharmaceutical analysis team
  - Nish Saini - Lead Analyst, Oncology
CHAPTER 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Scope of analysis
CHAPTER 2 SCLC OVERVIEW
- Introduction
- Subtypes
- SCLC strongly associated with smoking
- Diagnosis
- Staging - VALG or IASLC system?
  - Nearly two-thirds are diagnosed in extensive stage
- Prognosis
  - Poor prognosis in extensive stage
  - Slow improvement in prognosis
- Epidemiology
  - One-fifth of lung cancer cases are SCLC
  - Decreasing incidence of SCLC
  - Incidence calculation
  - Incidence forecast calculation
CHAPTER 3 CURRENT SCLC TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Introduction
- Treatment modalities
  - Limited stage
    - Surgical care remains confined to few patients
    - Quality of surgery depends on surgeon specialty
    - Surgery plus chemotherapy
    - Chemoradiotherapy improves survival in limited stage SCLC
    - Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for distant recurrence
  - Extensive stage
    - Chemotherapy alone is the primary treatment modality
- Chemotherapy regimens
  - CAV superseded by PE regimen
  - Addition of a third agent to PE brings mixed results
    - Ifosfamide improves survival at the expense of increased toxicity
    - Paclitaxel not recommended for SCLC
    - Taxotere confers modest efficacy
  - Alternating regimens?
  - Carboplatin as alternative to cisplatin
    - Carboplatin plus etoposide more popular than cisplatin plus etoposide in the EU
  - Irinotecan in Japan
    - Success not replicated in the West
  - Amrubicin in Japan
  - High-dose and dose-intense chemotherapy in SCLC
  - Second-line therapy
    - Hycamtin remains the only approved drug for relapsed SCLC
    - No standard therapy for refractory SCLC
    - Amrubicin is used commonly in Japan
    - Summary of Phase II trial results for second-line SCLC
CHAPTER 4 UNMET NEEDS IN SCLC
- Introduction
- Unmet needs
  - Improving prognosis of SCLC
    - Need for earlier diagnosis
    - Strong association with smoking
    - Low curative surgery rate
    - Lack of efficacious drugs
  - Less toxic drug regimens required
  - Low R&D interest
CHAPTER 5 SCLC PIPELINE ANALYSIS
- Pipeline drugs for SCLC
  - Pipeline drugs by phase
    - Low number of Phase III drugs
  - Pipeline drugs by drug class
    - Two-thirds are molecular-targeted therapy
  - Pipeline drugs by phase and drug class
- Late-phase pipeline drug profile
  - Alimta (pemetrexed) - Eli Lillly
    - Profile
    - Trial results
    - Toxicity may be the key for Alimta in SCLC
    - Potential US patent extension for Alimta
  - Thalomid (thalidomide) - Celgene/Pharmion
    - Trial results
    - Limited potential in SCLC
  - Other key pipeline drugs in Phase II development
  - Picoplatin - Poniard Pharmaceuticals
  - Avastin (bevacizumab) - Genentech/Roche
  - Nexavar (sorafenib) - Bayer Schering/Onyx
  - Iressa (gefitinib) - AstraZeneca
  - Recentin (AZD2171) - AstraZeneca
CHAPTER 6 MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMA
- Disease overview
  - Types of mesothelioma
  - Causes
  - Staging
    - Stage distribution
  - Prognosis
  - Epidemiology
- Current treatment options
  - Surgery
  - Radiotherapy
  - Chemotherapy
    - Alimta
    - Gemzar
- Unmet needs in malignant mesothelioma
- Pipeline analysis
  - Pipeline drug by phase
  - Pipeline drug by drug class
  - Late-phase pipeline drug profile
    - Zolinza (vorinostat) - Merck & Co
    - Onconase (ranpirnase) - Alfacell
APPENDIX
- Contributing experts
- UN Population Data
- Bibliography
- List of tables
- List of figures
  - About the Oncology analysis team
- Disclaimer
- List of Tables
  - Table 1: Incidence of SCLC in the seven major markets, 2002
  - Table 2: Estimated incidence rates for SCLC, 2002-2016
  - Table 3: Forecast SCLC incidence, 2007-2016
  - Table 4: Five-year survival rates following resection by stage
  - Table 5: Results of major 1980s and 1990s trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in SCLC, 1984-1994
  - Table 6: Results of Phase II trial by Tsuchiya et al. (2005)
  - Table 7: Results of major trials of adjuvant chemotherapy in SCLC, 1978-2000
  - Table 8: Indirect comparison of amrubicin versus topotecan in second-line SCLC, 1997-2006
  - Table 9: Summary of recent Phase II trial results for second-line treatment of SCLC, 2003-06
  - Table 10: Pipeline drugs for SCLC, 2007
  - Table 11: Ongoing late-phase clinical trials for SCLC, 2007
  - Table 12: Summary results of Phase II trial by Socinski et al. (2006)
  - Table 13: Summary results of Phase III trial by Breton et al. (2006)
  - Table 14: Summary results of Phase II trial by Cooney et al. (2005)
  - Table 15: Ongoing Phase II trials of Avastin in SCLC, 2007
  - Table 16: Various staging systems used for mesothelioma
  - Table 17: Epidemiologic features of malignant mesothelioma, 2005
  - Table 18: Summary results of Phase III trial by Vogelzang et al. (2003)
  - Table 19: Pipeline drugs for malignant mesothelioma, 2007
  - Table 20: Ongoing late-phase clinical trials for mesothelioma, 2007
  - Table 21: Summary results of Phase II trial by Mikulski et al. (2002)
  - Table 22: Interim analysis of Phase IIIb trial for Onconase in mesothelioma, 2006
  - Table 23: UN Population Data, 2002-2016
- List of Figures
  - Figure 1: Anatomy of the respiratory system
  - Figure 2: Stage distribution at diagnosis
  - Figure 3: Two-year survival rate and median survival by stage
  - Figure 4: Five-year survival rates of NSCLC and SCLC in the US, 1975-2002
  - Figure 5: Two- and five-year survival rates for SCLC in the US, 1973-2002
  - Figure 6: Proportion of SCLC versus NSCLC in the US and EU, 2006
  - Figure 7: Incidence rate of SCLC in the US,1975-2003
  - Figure 8: Incidence of SCLC in the seven major markets, 2002
  - Figure 9: Forecast SCLC incidence, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016
  - Figure 10: Use of various chemotherapy regimens in the EU for SCLC in first line, 2006
  - Figure 11: Use of various chemotherapy regimens in Japan for SCLC in first line, 2005
  - Figure 12: Sales volume of cigarettes in China, 1981-1995
  - Figure 13: Pipeline drugs for SCLC by phase, 2007
  - Figure 14: Pipeline drugs for SCLC by drug class, 2007
  - Figure 15: Pipeline drugs by phase and drug class, 2007
  - Figure 16: Percentage use of Alimta by indication in the five major EU markets, 2006
  - Figure 17: Summary results of Phase II trial by Socinski et al. (2006)
  - Figure 18: Correlation between mesothelioma incidence and asbestos use, 1995-2000
  - Figure 19: Stage distribution at diagnosis in the US, 1996-2002
  - Figure 20: Five-year survival rates for mesothelioma in the US, 1975-1998
  - Figure 21: Incidence rate of malignant mesothelioma in the US, Europe and Japan, 2005
  - Figure 22: Unmet needs in malignant mesothelioma, 2007
  - Figure 23: Pipeline drugs for mesothelioma by phase, 2006
  - Figure 24: Pipeline drugs for mesothelioma by drug class, 2006

Datamonitor
Global Information, Inc.
US $ 3800
　

Who needs to be examined for Asbestosis or Mesothelioma?

Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos (or suspect they have been exposed) dust on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine、feces、mucus、or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical examination、including a chest x-ray and lung function tests、may be recommended.

It is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs、but they can help identify any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the help of a specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for asbestos-related diseases. Other tests also may be necessary.

As noted earlier、the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. If any of the following symptoms develop、a physical examination should be scheduled without delay:

Shortness of breath;

A cough or a change in cough pattern;

Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs;

Pain in the chest or abdomen;

Difficulty in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or

Significant weight loss.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not occur for 30 to 50 years after an individual is exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately、the early symptoms of mesothelioma are often non-specific and can sometimes be confused with other illnesses such as pneumonia. Part of the reason that Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed is that many of the symptoms are similar to pneumonia、including shortness of breath、persistent cough and chest pain. These similarities can sometimes lead to a delay in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Making matters more difficult is the fact that some patients show no symptoms of their mesothelioma.

When symptoms of mesothelioma do appear、they often manifest themselves as shortness of breath and chest pains. The exact symptoms will often depend on which area the mesothelioma is affecting. For instance、some symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss、abdominal pain、bowel obstruction、anemia and fever.

ONLY A DOCTOR CAN PROPERLY DISGNOSE MESOTHELIOMA

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS、YOU SHOULD CONTACT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Malignant Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer)

Malignant mesothelioma (pronounced "mez-o-theel-e-oh-ma"), also known as "asbestos cancer," is a rare form of cancer found in the lining of the chest, lungs, or abdomen. This lining is called the mesothelium and is where mesothelioma gets its name.

Because tumors of the mesothelium are rarely benign (noncancerous), malignant (cancerous) mesothelioma is usually referred to as simply the shortened "mesothelioma" or, in casual terms, simply "meso."

The mesothelium covers various organs in the body protecting them and allowing organs to move against each other as the lungs expand and contract or the heart beats. The mesothelium surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity is called the pleura, so mesothelioma affecting the cells lining the sacs surrounding the chest or lungs is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. When the cancer affects the abdominal lining, or peritoneum, that is peritoneal mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs when cells within the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. If not caught early enough, the cancer may metastasize, spreading to other organs of the body. Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer, but several treatment options are available.

Help with mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products. There is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.

Why we need Mesothelioma Lawyers.

The one-time friend turned killer that was once such an indispensible, yet unnoticed, part of our daily lives for so many centuries, is now a feared enemy. It is Asbestos (from the Greek for 'inextinguishable') and is the reason behind thousands of global compensation claims, through mesothelioma lawyers, against employers, manufacturers and processors of asbestos-related products. Anyone suspecting they may be suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos, would be well advised to seek the services of specialist mesothelioma lawyers, whose experience with industrial diseases can be of great help in reducing the anxiety and uncertainty people may face taking confirmed cases through the sometimes long process of of legal compensation.

Many asbestos workers, and those unwitingly exposed to asbestos, have been given a mesothelioma diagnosis for which there is no cure, maybe just a little temporary relief, until the inevitable distressing death a few months or a year or two after the first symptoms of are noticed. This is why it is important for suspected sufferers to contact mesothelioma lawyers as soon they realise there may have been exposure to asbestos fibres or dust, over no matter how short a period.

asbestos-related diseases detected

Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor of their exposure history, whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop :

1.Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.

2.A persistent cough that gets worse over time.

3.Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.

4.Pain or tightening in the chest.

5.Difficulty swallowing.

6.Swelling of the neck or face.

7.Loss of appetite.

8.Weight loss.

9.Fatigue or anemia.

A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. The chest x–ray is currently the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure .

Studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) (a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine) may be more effective than conventional chest x-rays at detecting asbestos-related lung abnormalities in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos .

asbestos cancer and smoking

Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a risk of developing lung cancer that is greater than the individual risks from asbestos and smoking added together . There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers . Smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma . However, people who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke.

developing an asbestos-related disease

Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including:

1.Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to).

2.Duration (how long an individual was exposed).

3.Size, shape, and chemical makeup of asbestos fibers.

4.Source of exposure. 5.Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease.

Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time . All common commercial types of asbestos have been associated with lung cancer .

asbestos-related disease

Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, asbestos removal workers, firefighters, and automobile workers also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. However, recent studies do not support an increased risk of lung cancer or mesothelioma among automobile mechanics exposed to asbestos through brake repair . As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.

Those involved in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City are another group at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero. Others at risk include residents in close proximity to the WTC towers and those who attended schools nearby. These populations will need to be followed to determine the long-term health consequences of their exposure.

One study found that nearly 70 percent of WTC rescue and recovery workers suffered new or worsened respiratory symptoms while performing work at the WTC site. The study describes the results of the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, which was established to identify and characterize possible WTC-related health effects in responders. The study found that about 28 percent of those tested had abnormal lung function tests, and 61 percent of those without previous health problems developed respiratory symptoms . However, it is important to note that these symptoms may be related to exposure to debris components other than asbestos. Although it is clear that health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear .

There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. To decrease these exposures, Federal law regulates work practices to limit the possibility of asbestos being brought home in this way. Some employees may be required to shower and change their clothes before they leave work, store their street clothes in a separate area of the workplace, or wash their work clothes at home separately from other clothes .

Cases of mesothelioma have also been seen in individuals without occupational exposure, but who live close to asbestos mines or have been exposed to fibers carried home by family members working with asbestos.

What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?

People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems .

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer . Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. In addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma, some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder . However, the evidence is inconclusive.

Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (a chronic lung disease that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membrane surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lung and the wall of the chest cavity). Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by asbestos exposure may be at increased risk for lung cancer.

How is asbestos used?

Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II . Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry has used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tile; paints, coatings, and adhesives; and plastics. In addition, asbestos has been found in vermiculite-containing consumer garden products and some talc-containing crayons.

In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. Additionally, in 1979, manufacturers of electric hairdryers voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed. The EPA also established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it .

In June 2000, the CPSC concluded that the risk of children’s exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low . However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to eliminate talc from their products. In August 2000, the EPA responded to reports it received about the adverse human health effects associated with exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite by conducting a series of tests to evaluate the extent of the risk. The EPA investigation concluded that the potential exposure to asbestos from some vermiculite products poses only a minimal health risk to consumers. The EPA recommended that consumers reduce the low risk associated with the occasional use of vermiculite during gardening activities by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. Specifically, the EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it; avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing; and use premixed potting soil, which is less likely to generate dust.

The regulations described above and other actions, coupled with widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos. Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 803,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 2,400 metric tons by 2005 .

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers and can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries.

There are two subgroups of asbestos: chrysotile, which has curly fibers and is in the serpentine family of minerals; and amphibole asbestos, which has straight, needle-like fibers and includes actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos is the form that has been used predominantly in commercial applications worldwide

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