Among all the United States, California stands as the 5 th state with the highest rate of Mesotheliom Mesothelioma fatalities. According to an estimate, deaths of more than 2,500 Americans result from each year while the number of these cases is bound to increase in the upcoming 10 to 20 years. Keeping in mind the spread and multiplicity of this disease, these figures are quite alarming.
Mesothelioma originates in the Mesothelium which is a thin membrane lining the chest and abdominal cavities. This membrane also covers and protects most of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma of the lungs is known as the pleura, while that of the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. This disease can cause breathing difficulties, abdominal swelling as well as nausea when it becomes cancerous.
One of the worst things about this disease is its long latency period which can last anywhere between 25 to 50 years. After this period, it spreads swiftly through the body. The only ways to treat this lethal disease are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, these methods do not guarantee 100% satisfaction or removal of the cancer. Most of the people suffering from this disease die as when this diseases shows up after a period of 20-30 years in old age, the immune systems are at their weakest.
The major cause of Mesothelioma is lengthy asbestos exposure. People working in shipbuilding, dockyards, asbestos mining and milling companies, construction, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and brake repair shops are likely to have been exposed to asbestos. Demolition workers, drywall removers, and firefighters are also known to have been exposed to asbestos. Families of these asbestos workers are also at risk due to the fact that many inhale asbestos fibers brought on shoes, clothing, skin and hair of the workers. People who live or work near asbestos-related operations are also at risk of developing Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma in California
Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in California State in the year 1999, among residents aged 15 years and older.
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