Since the late 1800s, asbestos was mined and used commercially. The use of asbestos has increased dramatically during the Second World War and since the early 1940s, millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust working within industries where initially the risks n were not known. There is exposure to asbestos widespread workers within shipyards, mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other craftsmen and an increased risk mesothelioma developing result.

Today, the U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits for acceptable levels of exposure to asbestos at work. In contrast, the British Government, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states formally that the threshold for mesothelioma at a very low and it is widely agreed that if such a threshold exists, then it is currently not quantifiable. For practical reasons, HSE therefore not unreasonable to suppose that there exists such a threshold. People who work with asbestos must wear protective clothing to reduce their risk exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with exposure to asbestos heavier and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, that all workers heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos related diseases. This risk could be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

To reduce the risk of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, the asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of cancer of the airways in the lungs. The Kent brand of cigarettes had used asbestos in its filters for the first years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma result. Smoking current cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.

There is no cure. Close monitoring (X-ray of the same routine or pleural biopsy) for mesothelioma is prescribed. Home oxygen therapy is often necessary to relieve dyspnea. Supportive treatment includes treatment of symptoms of respiratory secretions in the lungs by postural drainage, remove chest percussion and vibration. Aerosolized medication may be prescribed to thin secretions.

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