A Detroit based cancer centre is all set to launch a study into asbestos-related cancer. This research will be into cancer in association with exposure to vermiculite, which is a mineral that is used in insulation products.

Doctors at Karmanos Cancer Centre stated that the decision to perform the study follows the revelation that a Dearborn factory had produced three million pounds of the mineral for use as insulation in as many as 700,000 homes in Michigan. With thousands of asbestos-related deaths of workers from vermiculite mines, this figure is seen as a little worrying.

Although the factory in question closed down in the early 1990s, there are still investigations pending with regards to possible contamination, exposure levels and identities of people that may have been exposed. Asbestos-related cancer can take up to thirty or forty years to show up as the latency period for development and symptoms can span several decades. It is therefore early identification of possible victims is important.

One of only three mesothelioma treatment and research centres in America, this project is viewed as an exciting and innovative move for Karmonos. Dr M Harbut, from the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, stated that the program would hopefully gain popularity as doctors begin to refer patients nationally for treatment and study.