Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that destroys the protective tissues around its victims’ lungs, abdomen, and heart. The disease is directly linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers, and is most commonly diagnosed in construction and industry workers who have worked with asbestos products.
In 2010 Congress established National Mesothelioma Awareness Day to educate Americans affected by, or in danger of being affected by, asbestos. Despite improved education, over 1.3 million American workers remain in contact with the toxic mineral in their workplace, resulting in thousands of new mesothelioma diagnoses every year.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day draws attention to these efforts. Supporting events across the country raise funds and bring awareness to the disease. It also encourages communities to show support for those battling mesothelioma.
In 2004, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) celebrated the first Mesothelioma Awareness Day (MAD). In 2010, the United States Congress commemorated September 26th as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Many people don’t understand mesothelioma, its causes and who may be affected. However, mesothelioma has impacted many communities and workers in certain high-risk occupations.
This is largely due to the prevalence of asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma cancer. If a household member has been exposed to asbestos, they may also bring fibers into the home. This could result in secondary exposure.
For example, a construction worker may bring home asbestos dust on their clothing. This could then expose household members who come in contact with the contaminated clothing.
Asbestos was largely used prior to 1979. However, older asbestos-containing products are still in use today. Asbestos is also not fully banned in the United States. The mineral is still allowed in small quantities in some products.
Despite the demonstrable harm it causes workers, asbestos is still legal in the United States and available in over 3,000 commercially available products.
In the past few years, asbestos has been found in baby powder, children’s toys, cosmetics such as eye shadow, and children’s makeup sets.
Many advocates seek stricter asbestos regulations on consumer goods. Companies may not disclose the possibility of asbestos on their packaging. Their products may also have had insufficient testing to rule out asbestos contamination.
Some health professionals advise consumers to take caution with talc-based products. Talc and asbestos deposits occur naturally together. As a result, talc is often contaminated with asbestos.
It often takes 10 – 50 years following asbestos exposure for patients to present mesothelioma symptoms.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure is most common in the workplace. However, exposure may also occur through natural asbestos in the environment or secondary exposure.
There are many ways to get involved with mesothelioma and asbestos awareness. One way is to take part in Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
“Painting the world in mesothelioma blue:” The Meso Foundation encourages friends, family and others to wear blue for mesothelioma.
Local participation: Individuals can take part in a local fundraiser or start a movement in their community to raise awareness.
The Meso Foundation provides more tips for getting involved on their Mesothelioma Awareness Day page.
Sources:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-mesothelioma-awareness-day/
https://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/research/
https://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/
https://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/mesothelioma-awareness-day/