World Health Organizations Releases Findings that Asbestos is Linked to Ovarian Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported earlier this month that commercial asbestos has now been linked to ovarian cancer.

The organization also reconfirmed the publicly known belief that asbestos exposure is the cause of asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma both in the pleural and peritoneal form. The WHO also reported that asbestos is linked to lung cancer and cancer of the larynx.

Dr. Richard Lemen, former assistant U.S. Surgeon General commented that the link between asbestos and ovarian cancer, “will have far-reaching implications to all woman exposed to asbestos.” Dr. Lemen was one of the first researchers to link asbestos with lung cancer in the 1970’s.

Asbestos was a popularly used mineral in the early 20th century because of its high insulation qualities. It was commonly found in floor and ceiling tiles as well as insulation around piping. It was not until the 1970’s that the hazardous effects of the mineral were made public and the government implemented regulations on its use.

Exposure to asbestos occurs when asbestos fibers become airborne and are easily inhaled and become lodged in the soft tissue of the lungs. Due to a long latency period of 20 to 50 years symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses occur too late for any effective treatment. Asbestos-related illnesses include asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer.

Dr. Lemen hopes the WHO’s new findings will promote greater cancer prevention efforts.

Source:  http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7014884353

One Response to “World Health Organizations Releases Findings that Asbestos is Linked to Ovarian Cancer”

1. Andrew Salvadore says:

   October 16, 2009 at 7:45 pm

   Does asbestos fiber (not product) have a specfic gravity (s.g.) less than 1.0?
   If yes will asbestos fiber buried in soil rise to the surface of the soil when the soil is 100% saturated with water (s.g. 1)?