Despite strict regulations on asbestos, cases of asbestos-related cancer, including mesothelioma, continue to emerge long after exposure. The persistent threat stems from asbestos fibers that can remain in the body for decades before symptoms appear. As these cases unfold, researchers are delving into the lasting impact of past exposure and the unexpected risks that still linger in everyday environments.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once revered for its heat resistance, tensile strength, and insulating properties. These characteristics made it a "miracle material" for industries such as construction, shipbuilding, automotive, and even household products. From the 19th century until the late 20th century, asbestos was used in thousands of products, from ceiling tiles and insulation to brake pads and clothing.
However, the very properties that made asbestos useful also made it deadly. Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne. Once inhaled or ingested, these tiny, sharp fibers embed themselves deep in the tissues of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Over time, they cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage, leading to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
The latency period for asbestos-related diseases is notoriously long, often stretching 20 to 50 years or more. This means that people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, or even the 1990s due to supply chain delays after the 1980s bans may only now be developing symptoms.
Mesothelioma is particularly challenging because it usually isn't diagnosed until it’s in an advanced stage. By the time symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or abdominal swelling appear, the cancer is often already widespread. The median survival time following diagnosis is only 10 to 12 months. This delayed onset creates a devastating legacy that can span generations. Many asbestos workers unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, exposing their families, including children, to the same risks.
This latency period also makes it hard for individuals to link their illnesses to asbestos exposure. By the time mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer develops, decades may have passed, and the person may no longer remember their exposure or recognize it as a risk factor because there are no apparent symptoms. Additionally, while asbestos use was largely curtailed in the U.S. by the 1980s, it was never fully banned. It can still be found in older buildings, schools, and even some products such as baby powder or makeup that remain in use today. The fibers don't degrade over time, meaning that even though asbestos has been largely phased out, the risk remains active in structures where it was previously used.
Despite regulatory efforts, asbestos hasn't disappeared. In fact, it's still found in millions of homes, schools, offices, and industrial sites across the U.S. These buildings continue to deteriorate, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne once again during renovations, demolitions, or natural disasters like hurricanes and fires.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have stringent guidelines to manage asbestos safely, particularly during renovations or demolitions. However, asbestos removal is expensive, and many properties, especially in poorer communities, go without proper remediation. As older buildings degrade, asbestos fibers are released into the air, reintroducing the risk to a new generation who may never have been directly involved in industries where asbestos was used.
While asbestos use has been heavily regulated in the U.S. and many other developed countries, it hasn't been universally banned worldwide. Countries such as Russia, China, India, and Brazil continue to mine and use asbestos, particularly the chrysotile variety, which they argue is safer than other forms of asbestos—a claim widely disputed by health experts. Because of global supply chains, asbestos-containing products from these countries can still make their way into the U.S. and other nations where asbestos is restricted but not entirely prohibited.
Imported products like automobile brake pads, gaskets, or construction materials may still contain asbestos, especially when sourced from countries where regulations are lax. This means that while the U.S. has done much to restrict domestic asbestos use, the risk is still reintroduced through imports.
Despite increased awareness and regulatory measures, asbestos-related cancers continue to trend upward. Mesothelioma, the hallmark asbestos-related cancer, is still diagnosed in about 3,000 Americans each year, and the numbers are expected to rise globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 125 million people worldwide are still exposed to asbestos in the workplace, and the global death toll from asbestos-related diseases reaches an estimated 255,000 people per year.
Lung cancer is another significant asbestos-related cancer, and while it's harder to directly link to asbestos exposure compared to mesothelioma, it's far more common. Studies show that asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by as much as six-fold, and the risk is even higher for individuals who also smoke. Given that lung cancer is already one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, the role asbestos plays in this epidemic is substantial but often overlooked.
Asbestos exposure is also linked to other cancers, including ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, and potentially gastrointestinal cancers. This trend seems to be a result of contaminated talc-based products such as baby powder, makeup, and other examples.
Although the connection between asbestos and these cancers is still being studied, emerging evidence suggests that the health risks posed by asbestos extend far beyond mesothelioma and lung cancer, creating a wider net of cancer incidence tied to past exposure.
While the asbestos-related cancer crisis can't be undone, there are steps we can take to reduce future harm. The first is widespread, systemic asbestos remediation. Older buildings must be inspected, and asbestos-containing materials should be removed or encapsulated. This is a costly and time-consuming process, but it's necessary to protect future generations from ongoing exposure.
Education is also crucial. Many people are still unaware of the dangers posed by asbestos in older homes and buildings. Homeowners, renters, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts need to be educated on how to identify asbestos and the risks involved in disturbing it.
Finally, we must push for stronger regulatory enforcement. While the EPA and OSHA have done much to regulate asbestos, gaps remain, particularly in monitoring imported asbestos-containing products. Closing these loopholes and enforcing stricter penalties for violations is essential to curbing new exposures.
The story of asbestos is far from over. Decades after its peak use and subsequent regulation, the consequences of asbestos exposure from many years ago continue to manifest in new diagnoses of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. The long latency period of these cancers, coupled with the ongoing presence of asbestos in our environment and imported products, means that asbestos will remain a public health threat for years to come.
The persistence and escalation of asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer highlights the long-lasting impact of past asbestos exposure, and the ongoing risks posed by its presence in our environment. Despite regulatory efforts and increased awareness, asbestos fibers can remain dormant in the body for decades, leading to diagnoses that often occur long after the initial exposure. Additionally, the continued use and importation of asbestos-containing products, particularly from countries with less stringent regulations, further complicate the issue. To mitigate these risks, comprehensive remediation, public education, and stricter enforcement of regulations are essential to protect future generations from the legacy of this dangerous material.
Justinian C. Lane, Esq. is an authority on asbestos and its long and complicated history. After losing his father and grandparents to asbestos-related cancers, Justinian dedicated his law practice to advocating for health safety and helping individuals and families exposed to asbestos. He is completing a book on the history of industrial asbestos, and lessons it offers for confronting today's challenges.
