Researchers at Ohio State University have been studying the molecular makeup of cancer cells in order to examine the individual bonds between asbestos and human cells. While any meaningful discoveries may be years away, the findings may prove helpful in studying illnesses caused by asbestos exposure such as mesothelioma, a very deadly cancer. Researchers are using atomic force microscopy to see how a single asbestos fiber binds with a specific receptor protein on the surface of a cell. Researchers believe that at least one of the deadly forms of asbestos triggers events inside cells that lead to illness, sometimes as much as decades after exposure.
Some of the more common illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are:
Mesothelioma
Chronic respiratory disease
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Because of its high durability and resistance to heat, asbestos in its fibrous form has been used in manufacturing since the 1800s. Though its use is now highly regulated, it is still found in many materials. It has been estimated that as many as 1.3 million Americans face significant exposure to asbestos on the job.
If you or a loved one suffers from an asbestos-related disease, please contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney in your area today to schedule a confidential consultation.