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Mesothelioma History Hazards Dietary Advice
Mesothelioma - History, Hazards And Dietary Advice
History of asbestos.
There are four main types of asbestos; Amosite (brown fibers),
Anthophyllite (gray fibers), white Christie, and blue
Crocidolite. Chrysotile has curly fibers while the other three
have rod like fibers. These fibers fragment into dust quite
readily and waft into the air. They can adhere to skin or
clothing and are easily swallowed or inhaled.
Half a century ago, asbestos was hailed by many as a miracle
product. They said nearly anything could be made from this
mineral. It as used as an additive to reinforce mortar and
plastics. Asbestos fibers can also be separated into fine
threads that do not conduct electricity and are unaffected by
heat or chemicals.
Use of asbestos drastically increased during World War II.
Shipbuilding incorporated asbestos extensively in freighters
and support vessels to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot
water pipes. Asbestos became the miracle construction material
as it was readily obtained, processed, and transported. After
WWII cars used asbestos in brake shoes and clutch pads.
Asbestos found its way into residential and industrial building
materials, water supply, sewage materials, ceiling and floor
tiles, and vermiculite garden materials to name a few products.
In the 1970's, following the discoveries of the health dangers
of asbestos dust inhalation, the U.S Consumer Product Safety
Commission prohibited the use of asbestos in several products
that could liberate asbestos fibers into the environment during
use. Regulations governing the use of asbestos and public
concern since 1970 have created a significant drop in the use
of asbestos in the United States. The same pattern has been
seen in most of the developed world.
In 1989 all new uses of asbestos were banned by the
Environmental Protection Agency while any old uses before that
year were still allowed. The EPA suggested that schools inspect
for damaged asbestos and eliminate any exposure or enclose it in
protective barriers. Vermiculite, widely used in horticulture,
became a concern of the EPA . They recommended outdoor use,
limiting the amount of dust used, and keeping vermiculite damp.
Health hazards
Asbestos may create serious health hazards such as coughing,
lung damage, shortness of breath, and lung cancer. Most people
do not become sick in the early stages of contact but usually
need continued exposure. This often means on jobs such as
mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos products, and the
building construction industry. Firemen, demolition and
destruction workers, drywall removers, and anyone else involved
in trades that involve destruction of buildings, ships, and
automobiles are also exposed to the hazards of asbestos.
Over a number of years continual exposure to asbestos can cause
very serious health problems, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma
is a rare type of carcinoma of the membrane that lines numerous
cavities of the body, including the lungs, abdomen and heart,
and has been associated with exposure to asbestos dust. In
mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelioma metastasize and
damage adjacent organs and tissues.
Mesothelioma may not develop for a long period of time, often
as long as twenty-five or thirty-five years before full blown
symptoms appear. Not all workers who have been exposed will
develop diseases, but workers who have been exposed to it may
bring fibers on their clothing, hair, shoes, and skin home to
their families. To circumvent this risk, most industries
require workers to bathe and change their clothing before they
leave work.
Dietary advice for Mesothelioma patients
Doctors and nutritionists may recommend a special cancer diet
because many mesothelioma patients tend to lose their appetites
due to worry over their condition. Also, those who are
undergoing treatment may choose not to eat because of the
unpleasant side effects they may experience. Chemotherapy and
some medications may cause an imbalance of nutrients that must
be corrected in order to keep the body as strong as possible
and to keep the patient from losing an excessive amount of
weight. Other side effects of mesothelioma treatment can
include nausea, vomiting, constipation,dry mouth and a change
in the sense of smell or taste.
In our childhood we were all told to eat our vegetables.
Forcing down cabbage and sprouts was supposed to make us bigger
and stronger. Well, so it is for mesothelioma patients. Diet is
often an overlooked subject for cancer patients, but eating the
right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as
important as taking the proper medication.
Mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment must follow a
special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. The details
of every patient's mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients
will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while
others may need more protein. Cancer diets involve eating the
correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the
right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and
energized. The body needs plenty of nourishment when it is
going through chemotherapy or even when the patient is taking
certain medications.
It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the
guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they
obtain the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality
of life.
Protein is important for any cancer patient because it helps
repair tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Protein also helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system,
lowering a mesothelioma patient's risk of infection after
aggressive cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute
recommends increasing protein in a cancer diet with cheese,
milk, ice cream, yoghurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, meats and
fish.
Fats are an essential part of the cancer diet because they
supply the body with the necessary energy it needs while
undergoing treatment. The amount of fats a cancer diet should
Mesothelioma Lawyer Best For YouMesothelioma Lawyer: Getting The Best For You If you are reading this article, the chances are that either you or a loved one is in ..... consist of is dependent on a mesothelioma patient's age and
body size. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing
caloric intake with such foods as butter, milk, cheese, honey,
sugar, granola and dried fruits.
Water is another essential component of the cancer diet.
Without a significant amount of water, the body will dehydrate.
It is important that anyone undergoing cancer treatment drink
sufficient water to keep their bodies hydrated and replenished.
About The Author: Article supplied by Michael Aldridge. For a
complete and extensive guide to mesothelioma, please visit our
web site at http://www.mesothelioma.informatee.com
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