November 1st, 2007

The World Heath Organization is calling for work places and employers to be more aware of the dangers of work place asbestos. It is estimated that 200,000 people die each year from toxic exposure at work, including being exposed to asbestos.

The World Health Organization is trying to bring awareness to the work place of the dangers of asbestos exposure. It is estimated that over 200,000 employees around the world will contract a respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma, due to the work place. While this number does include workers that handle asbestos, the material linked with mesothelioma, this also includes people in offices.

The danger comes from buildings that are not kept in repair, as well renovations being conducted in older buildings without taking into effect the asbestos present. Asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma, a form of deadly lung cancer, asbestosis and emphysema. By far the worst concern, mesothelioma occurs when airborne asbestos particles are breathed into the lungs and become stuck there. The fibers keep the tissue from absorbing oxygen, killing the lungs and suffocating the victim. Respiratory illnesses including asbestosis and mesothelioma can take years to develop, and are often times untreatable at the time of discovery.