Mesothelioma The Largest Man Made Epidemic
Mesothelioma – The largest Man Made Epidemic By Lorraine Kember
It is documented that Australia had the greatest per capita utilization of asbestos on earth from the 1950′s before 1970′s. As a tragic consequence, Australia now has the greatest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world. With increased than 500 Australians contracting mesothelioma per year, it is estimated that as much as 18,000 Australians will die from this asbestos related cancer by the year 2020.
Regardless of the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, there are many individuals who have not heard of Mesothelioma. This asbestos related cancer is defined as: a malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising form the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
One of the very most baffling and frightening known facts concerning Mesothelioma is that numerous years may pass, between inhalation of asbestos dust and its deadly legacy of disease; it is not uncommon for four decades or maybe more to pass before symptoms due to asbestos dust inhalation become apparent.
In November 2004, I was an invited speaker at the Global Asbestos Congress 2004, held in Tokyo Japan. Over 800 participants from 40 countries all over the world were in attendance. To be part of such a large gathering of fellow humans, united in a mission to rid the poison of asbestos from our environments was an intensely moving experience. Having lost my husband to mesothelioma I understand first hand the suffering this cruel disease places on its innocent victims.
There were many speakers and each told a tale, of pain, death and heartache. We listened, we understood and we ached for the past, present and future victims of the killer asbestos and its legacy of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. We listened and we were shocked and angered to learn that despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the increasing incidence of asbestos related disease, there remains some countries who're mining asbestos with minimum regard because of their workers or individuals who will come into connection with asbestos products.
Asbestos disease Association member's globally will work tirelessly and fighting almost insurmountable odds to ban asbestos from all countries of the world. It is really a sobering and frightening fact, that even if we were successful in this quest, the legacy of asbestos related diseases will continue for five decades.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to boost public awareness in regards to the dangers of asbestos exposure and the incurable and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is quickly expanding and uniting veterans, fire-fighters, shipbuilders, teachers and tens of thousands of other innocent people round the world. Asbestos Awareness contributes to education, prevention, new treatments and ultimately a cure.