MESOMILLENIALS
Will the Younger Generation Help Prevent Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and is primarily identified in older people however, the reality is more complex than that. Despite mesothelioma generally being diagnosed to elderly people, the disease usually starts to develop decades before it is caught and diagnosed by doctors. Many people often overlook the connection between lung cancer and smoking cigarettes, yet more people do not make the connection between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the common name for the many minerals used in building materials during the 1920’s and ‘30s. People used it for many things including: insulation, roofing, piping, boilers, window tiles and cement. Asbestos was commonly used because it has a strong resistance to high temperatures and explosion. It was utilized as a protectant for a multitude of industrial buildings. During the time that asbestos was most commonly used, the dangers and risks of exposure were essentially unknown. Many occupations have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a slow-growing cancer that continuously attacks the body years before making its life-threatening appearance. The prognosis for Mesothelioma varies case by case.
How Long Does it Take for Mesothelioma Symptoms to Appear?
Asbestos exposure will take about 15 years or more on average for the first mesothelioma symptoms to appear. This means that young people who are in their early twenties and thirties that have been around asbestos will have a much higher risk of getting mesothelioma in the future.
In What Ways Does Mesothelioma Affect the Younger Generation?
Young adults can be affected by mesothelioma in many different ways. It commonly affects people who have been exposed to material made with asbestos, but it also has an effect on family members and loved ones who have been exposed to it when it was more commonly used.
For example, it’s beneficial to know why mesothelioma can be affecting young people such as college students.
Right now, the only noted cause of cancerous mesothelioma is when asbestos is inhaled into the lungs. This is When this became known to scientists, the United States government took action to decrease the use of building materials that had asbestos in it. The unfortunate reality is that there are still countless homes and building that have materials in them containing asbestos. Since asbestos is still found in many materials inside buildings (usually buildings that are older), it is common to find out that homes, workplaces, college dorms and schools still contain asbestos.
Why Does it Take so Long for Symptoms of Mesothelioma to Appear?
The fibers in asbestos are microscopic and when disrupted they are able to stay in the air for extended amounts of time. If asbestos is inhaled, the microscopic fibers set deeply in the lining of the lungs resulting in Plueral Mesothelioma.
Considering that asbestos is still inside schools, homes and workplaces, it’s something that people of the younger generation are being exposed to still today. Unfortunately, signs of asbestos exposure today will not show up for decades, when it will be too late to prevent the disease.
Caring for Loved Ones With Mesothelioma
For the people who are caring for loved ones who have been diagnosed with the cancer, the effects can be felt in many different ways. As of today, there is not a cure for mesothelioma that doctors and scientists are aware of. Although scientist and doctors have recently made incredible progress, even the most effective treatments have inadequate effectiveness. Caring for ill loved ones during this complicated time can be a very challenging experience due to the aggressive nature of mesothelioma.
United States and Asbestos Use
As of 2016, more than 50 countries have banned asbestos entirely. In 1983, the first country to ban all types of the mineral in asbestos was Iceland. In 2005, the whole European Union conformed and decided to ban asbestos as well. Surprisingly, the United States is one of the only advanced nations not to have banned the cancer causing material yet.
It usually surprises people that the U.S. government has yet to ban asbestos. Although, they did take the needed steps to limit the use of it in the ‘70s, it’s still not entirely banned. Asbestos is still being used in materials for fireproofing and roofing as well as an array of other products for consumers.
How Can The Younger Generation Help End Mesothelioma?
Millennials are innovators and activists by nature that like to stay informed and educated on social issues. The internet has assisted with the progress of flowing information and made it easier for people to become more informed about things going on in their environment unlike ever before. Since millennials are more occupied on social media, news sites, blogs, and other outlets of media than any other generation, they are the ones who can spread information about the effects of asbestos. They are in the best position to get the word out there, that asbestos is toxic and should be banned.
Because millennials are so innovative and entrepreneurial, they have the capability to discover new products that can replace asbestos as well as the competency to create new ways to treat mesothelioma. Since they are so resourceful and innovative, they could even discover a cure for cancer one day – and that would be incredible!
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Sacramento Mesothelioma Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento mesothelioma lawyer. If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma, or has passed away as a result of this disease, please call me anytime at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice. Elsewhere, call my toll free at (800) 404-5400.
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Image Attribution: By Washington College (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons
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