Environmental Asbestos Exposure Linked to Mesothelioma Cases in Nevada

A higher-than-expected percentage of women and younger residents in southern Nevada are dying from malignant mesothelioma, sparking concerns that naturally occurring asbestos exposure has become a potential threat. A group of scientists and researchers from Nevada, Hawaii and Pennsylvania analyzed governmental statistics, as well as soil, rock and air samples, and concluded the surrounding environment in Clark and Nye counties is triggering mesothelioma in some of its residents. "There is an environmental risk of exposure to carcinogenic fibers in southern Nevada," University of Hawaii epidemiologist Francine Baumann, Ph.D. told Asbestos.com. "These numbers are statistically significant. They should lead to deeper research and taking measures to protect the population." The Journal of Thoracic Oncology recently published the results of the study. State officials challenged the conclusions. Las Vegas, the most populous city in Nevada and a worldwide resort destination, is the county seat of Clark County. News of possible asbestos exposure to locals and visitors could negatively impact tourism. Baumann's team of researchers included Dr. Michele Carbone, renowned mesothelioma expert and former director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Until the last 15 years, mesothelioma was thought to be caused almost exclusively by occupational exposure to asbestos in various industries, including construction, manufacturing and ship building. Awareness to Environmental Asbestos Gr...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure & Bans Source Type: news