Today, most people know about the dangers of asbestos exposure. A naturally occurring bundle of minerals known for its heat-resistant properties, asbestos has been linked to several types of life-threatening diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.1 When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can gradually injure the cells of the lungs or…

If someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be lost for words, overwhelmed by the unfortunate news they just told you. Next, you’ll want to help them in any way you can. First, you should know that mesothelioma is “an aggressive and deadly form of cancer” in the “thin layer of tissue…

Between 1973 and 1979, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the manufacture of several asbestos-containing materials in the United States.1 However, in the decades before these laws were legislated, millions of people were exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos every day at their workplaces and homes. Unfortunately, it was a little too late when researchers…

In the past century, asbestos exposure often occurred at the workplace, specifically while “mining and milling raw material” and while manufacturing certain products, such as household appliances.1 Today, people are exposed to asbestos while repairing, remodeling, removing, or maintaining asbestos-containing products installed years ago.1 Most of the time, this asbestos exposure occurs while remodeling or…

For the last 2,000 years, asbestos has been used in “building, textiles, and construction” materials for its affordability and “highly versatile, strong, [and] nonflammable” properties.1 Before researchers discovered its correlation to mesothelioma and other diseases, asbestos was often found in home appliances, insulation, and other fireproofing materials. During the twentieth century, asbestos was also mined…

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 107,000 people die annually from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.5 Of those three diseases, asbestos-related lung cancer takes the lives of 57,000 people every year.5 How Does Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer? Asbestos exposure occurs when its “fibers are released into the air when friable asbestos-containing materials…

In 1892, Johnson & Johnson’s director of scientific affairs, Dr. Frederick B. Kilmer invented scented talcum-based baby powder that was originally labeled “for toilet and nursery.”1 As its popularity increased, J&J’s Baby Powder became quickly associated with the smell of newborns themselves, as well as with “freshness and cleanliness.”1 As a result, many women used…

Before 1980, asbestos was a commonly used in manufacturing for its heat-resistant properties and low cost. However, between 1973 and 1978, the Environmental Protection Agency banned its use in several products, mainly in building materials.1 These laws were passed after researchers has discovered that asbestos fibers caused mesothelioma, a type of aggressive cancer that “forms…

Before 1980, most home construction building supplies contained asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous silicate material used for its durability and heat-resistant properties for most of the twentieth century.1 However, after researchers discovered asbestos exposure caused cancer and other illnesses (i.e., mesothelioma and asbestosis), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned certain products containing asbestos from 1973…

If you were exposed to asbestos at your workplace, you are at risk for developing mesothelioma, an “aggressive and deadly form of cancer” that forms in the “thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs.”1 Your Risk Factor for Developing Mesothelioma Depends on Your Industry Despite safety laws and regulations placed…