Signs of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Through the years, it has been estimated that anywhere from 27 to 100 million people in the United States were exposed to asbestos.

Signs of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma are brought about by a build up of tumor tissue outside of the lungs. The lungs are not able to expand fully due to a fluid present in the pleural space.

This causes a shortness in breath and pain under the rib cage produced by the pressure on the lung. Swelling of the abdomen or lumps found in the abdomen might be noticeable. Other symptoms include a dry hacking cough and as the disease matures – an unusual loss of weight.

Men are more likely to contract this disease than women at a ratio of three to one. This might be because a man is more inclined to work around high risk asbestos settings such as mining, production of hard goods, ship construction and automotive breaks and insulation within buildings prior to 1981.

When asbestos is left intact and undisturbed, it does not necessarily pose a health risk to the occupants of that building.

Only when the asbestos becomes damaged or loosened is there a potential for exposure as this material is more likely to release fibers into the environment when it disturbed.

Listed below are items where asbestos may be found:

      ·  floor tile
      ·  fireproofing
      ·  boiler insulation
      ·  ceiling tiles
      ·  linoleum
      ·  tank insulation
      ·  adhesives
      ·  acoustical finishes
      ·  floor tile mastic
      ·  gaskets
      ·  fume hood liners
      ·  pipe insulation
      ·  HVAC duct wrap
      ·  plaster
      ·  lab countertops
      ·  roofing
      ·  chalkboard glue      
      ·  pipe fittings
      ·  fire doors
      ·  siding shingles