The number of deaths in Arkansas which can be linked back to mesothelioma is under consideration. The reason being, that mesothelioma was declared as a fatal disease in the state after 1999. The frightening aspect of this disease is that while a person may have contracted the disease decades before, yet the symptoms appear after 20-30 years. Not only this, but a person can die with a period of one year after the symptoms appear.
While treatment for mesothelioma is available, there is no cure for this disease. Modes of treatment are chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery, all of which are extremely costly. Avoiding exposure to asbestos fiber and particles is the only way to avoid this disease. Contact with asbestos and asbestos based products is the only cause of this disease. People working in shipyards, dockyards, foundry, automobile industry, power plants, asbestos production companies and mines are likely to develop this cancer.
mesothelioma affects the pleura or the lining of the lungs as well as the stomach lining also known as peritoneum. Shortness of breath and chest pains are well known symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma while symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling in the abdomen. Also, trouble swallowing, pain, and facial or neck swelling may occur if the cancer has spread beyond these locations.
Mesothelioma in Arkansas
Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Arkansas State in the year 1999, among residents aged 15 years and olderAccording to the government estimate, more than 273 people have died in the state of Arkansas between 1979 and 2001. This figure has risen due to the fact that more than 64,000 tons of Libby ore was stored in North Little Rock, Arkansas during 1948 and 1993 along with the Grace Vermiculite mine which lead to Mesothelioma in hundreds of people. To produce vermiculite attic insulation, vermiculite was exfoliated which lead to release of massive amounts of asbestos particles leading to asbestos exposure.
Mentioned here are some of the companies located in Arkansas which used asbestos or which are still using the material. If your or your loved one has ever worked for any of them, you might have been exposed to this lethal product and might be at risk for Mesothelioma.
• Arkansas Nuclear One
• Carl E. Baily Generating Station
• Berry Petroleum
• Cross Oil
• Flint Creek Power Plant
• Lion Oil
• Clyde T. Ellis Hydroelectric
• Thomas B. Fitzhugh Generating Station
• White Bluff Steam Electric Station
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