What You Need to Know About Mesothelioma
There are many names in the medical world and probably ones you never heard before. I am going to admit that I have never heard of 'mesothelioma' until recently. If you read my blog posts 7 years ago, you will know that I was strongly deciding between being a doctor and a geologist/earth scientist. Today, in 2018, I am now graduated and working as the latter but that does not mean I neglect the former. I am very much interested and inclined towards the medical world even if it were a hobby. I enjoy reading about recent discoveries, breakthroughs and I support medical causes. I am pretty much in the scientific field so anything science amazes me.
Today, I would like to highlight a medical condition called mesothelioma. It is rare cancer that affects middle-aged to elderly people who experience a high exposure to asbestos. When reading or hearing about a disease, the first thing I want to know is the cause. The main cause of mesothelioma is the exposure to a silicate mineral called asbestos. Asbestos has been used regularly as insulation in buildings and various products like roofing material, water supply lines, brake linings and automobile pads. Today, asbestos is commonly used in fibre cement boards in the form of chrysotile. Asbestos not only can cause mesothelioma but also lung cancer and asbestosis. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres stay in the body and cause a progressive inflammatory disease that harms the lungs.
If asbestos is so dangerous, why is it still used? According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, absestos is already banned in 55 countries like Australia, Japan and the European Union but certain countries like Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and India are still using chrysotile, the only commercial form of asbestos still in use. Although many countries have banned asbestos, old buildings built in the 20th century still remain millions of tons of asbestos. There is an ongoing debate between many countries on banning asbestos completely. This was discussed in the Rotterdam Convention. Some countries debate that chrysotile asbestos is safe to use if used correctly. Therefore, banning it completely can be tricky in the current situation. I believe that since the negative impact outweighs the advantages of using chrysotile, another alternative to chrysotile should be considered even if slightly more expensive. So, yes, I am supporting the banning of any form of asbestos.
I have thankfully not met or known anyone personally who has experienced this condition but reading about it alone is enough to know how life-threatening it is. The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, the buildup of fluid around the lungs, appetite loss, weight loss and fatigue. Treatment would be chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. All very painful procedures. Mesothelioma is a highly serious medical condition and by all means, I believe that all of us should do what we can to mitigate it. Support the banning of asbestos and raise awareness among peers and the community. Raise funds and reach out to people who you know are facing the condition. Here, I would like to mention this very useful website which you can go to if you have any queries about mesothelioma. They provide complete information about this medical condition and can guide you on the treatment and support you with any level of support you need. There is even a $30 billion dollar trust fund available if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In conclusion, I believe that mesothelioma is a very serious medical condition and mitigation steps need to be taken more seriously worldwide. If you are a patient in need of treatment, always remember that there are people out there to support you. Reach out and receive all the support you need. A mutual conclusion needs to be achieved by all countries for a more healthy nation.
Today, I would like to highlight a medical condition called mesothelioma. It is rare cancer that affects middle-aged to elderly people who experience a high exposure to asbestos. When reading or hearing about a disease, the first thing I want to know is the cause. The main cause of mesothelioma is the exposure to a silicate mineral called asbestos. Asbestos has been used regularly as insulation in buildings and various products like roofing material, water supply lines, brake linings and automobile pads. Today, asbestos is commonly used in fibre cement boards in the form of chrysotile. Asbestos not only can cause mesothelioma but also lung cancer and asbestosis. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres stay in the body and cause a progressive inflammatory disease that harms the lungs.If asbestos is so dangerous, why is it still used? According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, absestos is already banned in 55 countries like Australia, Japan and the European Union but certain countries like Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and India are still using chrysotile, the only commercial form of asbestos still in use. Although many countries have banned asbestos, old buildings built in the 20th century still remain millions of tons of asbestos. There is an ongoing debate between many countries on banning asbestos completely. This was discussed in the Rotterdam Convention. Some countries debate that chrysotile asbestos is safe to use if used correctly. Therefore, banning it completely can be tricky in the current situation. I believe that since the negative impact outweighs the advantages of using chrysotile, another alternative to chrysotile should be considered even if slightly more expensive. So, yes, I am supporting the banning of any form of asbestos.
I have thankfully not met or known anyone personally who has experienced this condition but reading about it alone is enough to know how life-threatening it is. The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, the buildup of fluid around the lungs, appetite loss, weight loss and fatigue. Treatment would be chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. All very painful procedures. Mesothelioma is a highly serious medical condition and by all means, I believe that all of us should do what we can to mitigate it. Support the banning of asbestos and raise awareness among peers and the community. Raise funds and reach out to people who you know are facing the condition. Here, I would like to mention this very useful website which you can go to if you have any queries about mesothelioma. They provide complete information about this medical condition and can guide you on the treatment and support you with any level of support you need. There is even a $30 billion dollar trust fund available if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In conclusion, I believe that mesothelioma is a very serious medical condition and mitigation steps need to be taken more seriously worldwide. If you are a patient in need of treatment, always remember that there are people out there to support you. Reach out and receive all the support you need. A mutual conclusion needs to be achieved by all countries for a more healthy nation.
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