News » Blacksmiths and Pleural Mesothelioma
The following article was written by John Janis, Public Awareness Director for PleuralMesothelioma.com.
Because blacksmiths work with hot metal and fire, asbestos was an ideal material to use in a number of different ways.
However, exposure to this naturally occurring mineral has been shown to cause several asbestos-related diseases, including pleural mesothelioma. Those who worked as blacksmiths before the 1980s were especially at risk of being exposed to asbestos since regulations on using the substance were not yet in place.
One of the largest concerns for blacksmiths in terms of asbestos exposure came through the protective clothing they wore. While this clothing protected them from burns and high temperatures, it did not protect them from inhaling asbestos fibers.
Other apparel worn by blacksmiths that may have contained asbestos included gloves, aprons and face masks. The unfortunate exposure experienced by blacksmiths has placed many at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. From the time someone is initially exposed, symptoms can take as long as 50 years to arise. During this severe latency period, mesothelioma tumors slowly form and finally cause pain and discomfort after reaching a late stage of development.
Treatment for pleural mesothelioma is very limited when diagnosed during one of the advanced stages. To date, there is no cure for this condition.
Today’s blacksmiths can prevent exposure to asbestos in a variety of ways. First, it is important for all blacksmiths to use updated tools and equipment so that older tools do not present the risks of releasing asbestos fibers. The simplest disturbance of asbestos-containing materials can cause enough damage for exposure to occur.
Second, blacksmiths should remain cautious of their surroundings and place of work. Asbestos was often used for floor and ceiling tiles as well as insulation. An old working environment may still be constructed of these hazardous materials.
Blacksmiths who suspect they may have been exposed to asbestos should inform their physician for annual checkups. Regular checkups can help detect the early signs of asbestos-related disease and early detection offers the greatest hope for successful treatment.
To learn more about asbestos and its related diseases, please visit PleuralMesothelioma.com.
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