The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was significantly used in a variety of products throughout the 20th century. The construction industry may have felt the biggest impact from the toxic substance as more than 3,000 building materials were made with asbestos.
In addition to construction, the shipyard industry was also heavily impacted by the use of asbestos. Products used to build ships needed to be fireproof and asbestos-containing materials filled this requirement. When shipbuilding was at its peak during the World War II era, asbestos-laden insulation was one of the most utilized materials.
While the construction and shipyard industries may have been the hardest hit by asbestos, other industries such as the power plant, chemical plant, automotive and manufacturing industries were affected as well. Former employees of companies within these industries have since begun to develop malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure can occur by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, often after disturbing asbestos-containing materials. Construction and shipyard workers faced an increased risk of exposure due to the continuous repair and removal of asbestos-containing products during their work.
Symptoms of this rare condition do not typically arise until 20 to 50 years have passed since the exposure occurred. As a result of this severe latency period, many patients are diagnosed when the cancer has already reached the latest stages of development.
Even though strict regulations have been placed on the use and removal of asbestos, the risk for exposure still exists in many ways. If asbestos-containing materials are suspected to be present at a construction site or in an older building where you may be employed, caution should be taken.
Additional information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the mesothelioma Center.