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In the U.S., the number of new
cases of malignant Mesothelioma (MEEZ-o-THEE-lee-o-ma)
is between 3,000 to 4,000 and still rising but expected
to peak by the year 2025. That means that thousands of
Americans each year develop Mesothelioma, a malignant
tumor that invades the linings of the lungs, abdomen,
heart or testicles. Malignant Mesothelioma was not
tracked in the U.S. until 1999. These are, of course,
estimates from asbestos exposure but many others are
coming down with Malignant Mesothelioma who do not have
any known asbestos exposure.
Having said that, many buildings
are being destroyed and that leads to significant
airborne asbestos. In fact, stories of the 9/11 attacks
on the World Trade Center mentioned that asbestos was
used in construction of the structures. You can recall
the clouds hanging above lower Manhattan which enveloped
the city for weeks. There is a published case report of
a WTC firefighter who came down with lung illness after
9/11 and when physicians examined him he had an
absolutely huge amount of asbestos in his lungs. While
it doesn’t mean that he will get Mesothelioma he should
be worried about it. The long term effects of this
incurable disease remains to be seen.
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