Mesothelioma Awareness: 2010 Designated as “The Year of the Lung”
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) have labeled next year “2010: The Year of the Lung.” The campaign was officially launched during the 40th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cancun, Mexico on December 6, 2009.
The campaign mission “Aims to raise awareness about the importance of lung health, generate social and political support for preventing and treating lung disease, and increase public and private funding for lung research.”
According to a document titled “Climate change and respiratory disease,” which was published by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and placed on the campaign’s Web site, respiratory doctors have an important role in combating major public health concerns like air pollution and occupational health hazards such as asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was heavily used throughout much of the 20th century, has been linked to several respiratory conditions, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs.
Exposure to asbestos most often occurs by inhaling asbestos fibers. Such exposure is usually occupational or the result of damaged asbestos-containing materials that have released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Once inhaled, the jagged-like fibers of asbestos may become lodged in the lining of the lungs, eventually causing irritation and the development of tumors.
Organizers of the campaign have already established specific dates throughout the year, including days for Cancer Survivor Day, World Asthma Day, World Cancer Day and Lung Health Day. October 14, 2010 will be designated as World Spirometry Day with the intention of encouraging hospitals to offer free lung tests to the public.
This global campaign is currently being recognized by 160 nations that ratified the first-ever international public health treaty.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
