Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in the general
population. However, in individuals that were exposed to
asbestos, it is not as rare. That's because the only known,
established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. There are experts
that have...
Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Warning Signs and Causes
What is Mesothelioma? Chances are you may never have heard of mesothelioma cancer unless you or a relative have the disease. Still considered as a rare cancer, it has been popularized by its linkage to asbestos. Exactly what is mesothelioma cancer...
Treatments And Clinical Trials For Mesothelioma
For years, chemotherapy has been used as treatment for mesothelioma to shrink tumors. More recently, doctors have used surgery in combination with chemotherapy with more success.
In addition, newer chemotherapy drugs in combination with surgery...
Understanding Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment relates relieving or curing the deadly disease called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is serious disease that affects the lining of lungs, abdominal organs or heart. Mesothelioma can be of two types, either benign or malignant....
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) or cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It is usually caused by prolonged or persistent exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of...
Asbestos Testing- Search For The Devil
Asbestos Testing – Why?
Asbestos testing seeks to detect the presence of asbestos in any given material. When any asbestos containing material is disturbed, it releases very thin invisible fibers that may remain suspended in the air for many hours, and have a causative association with a plethora of disease manifestations involving the epithelial lining of human visceral cavities, including the deadly mesothelioma. Much asbestos containing material is being unearthed nowadays due to intense remodeling and renovation of old structures, dating back to days when asbestos was extensively used in construction.
Asbestos Testing- When?
EPA's Sample List of Suspect Asbestos-Containing Materials Exit Ecology lists the possible candidates for asbestos testing. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Any surfacing agent or thermal insulation material used in buildings constructed earlier than 1980 is presumed as containing asbestos (WISHA Interim Interpretive Memorandum #99-1-C, January 19, 1999), until proved otherwise by laboratory analysis.
Asbestos Sampling
Precautions
Before collection:
- By either specialized laboratory personnel or under guidance.
During collection:
- Minimize dispersal of fibers
- Avoid heating/cooling draughts
- Minimize the handling time and amount
- Spray the sample with fine water and/or detergent
droplets
- Use a sharp knife to cut neatly through the whole depth
- Place a plastic spread below the collection area
- Minimize exposure to self/those in the vicinity
- Handle the sample alone
- Wear gloves and mask
- Drop neatly into an appropriate container
After collection:
- Minimize dispersal
- Proper sealing of the container
- Patching of the sampled area
- Proper disposal of the plastic spread
- Cleaning of the area
- Label the sample meticulously
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos testing is carried out by a certified laboratory using polarized light microscopy (PLM) as per the EPA recommendations.
Asbestos Testing- Results and Interpretation
This form of asbestostesting is qualitative as well as quantitative .The results are given as the percentage (1 to 100) and type of asbestos (chrysotile or white asbestos, Amosite or brown asbestos, and Crocidolite or blue asbestos).
About The Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.