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Feb 23 2007
Some UK scientists yesterday warned that around 200000 people will die from asbestos-related cancer upto 40 years after the exposure to asbestos. Experts say that 30,000 has already passed away due to mesothelioma and another 60000 are already doomed. A further 90,000 is expected to be died from other diseases related to asbestos. According to the scientists, carpenters, laggers, shipyard workers, metal workers and electricians who worked during 1960-1970 are at the maximum risk. "Mesothelioma is on a completely different scale from any other industrial cancer disease in the world. It has already killed twice as many people as cervical cancer. Those affected are elderly working class men," said Cancer specialist Professor Julian Peto, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine yesterday. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. The only known reason for this mortal disease is asbestos exposure. It generally takes upto 30-40 years to develop the disease however, once diagnosed, patients are given a maximum of 12 months to live. The patients often have to suffer from coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, pain in chest and abdomen, fluid in the chest etc. Women and children living with men exposed to asbestos also have a one in 1,000 chance of contracting the disease. There is no known cure for mesothelioma. Chemotherapy and immune therapy are still in their experimental stage. Peto believes that the maximum risk is for Carpenters. "Carpenters are at the greatest risk because building rules in the 60s and 70s demanded asbestos insulation boards were used in fire doors which they used to cut with power tools." According to him one in 10 of all carpenters of that generation could be suffered. He added that the issue was historically incomprehensible as the hazards of asbestos exposure had been known since the 1930's. "Britain should have made this extraordinary industrial error is hard to understand," he said. The current wave of mesothelioma is expected to peak in less than 10 years.
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