Promoting awareness about mesothelioma and the links to asbestos exposure is very important. Especially considering the fact that there are many people out there trying to misinform the public. Some measurements put the number of people who have died because of asbestos poisoning or exposure at over a quarter million. That is a truly staggering number. The good news is many doctors and researchers are working feverishly to try to find a cure and learn more. Every day new research and clinic trial are being done to combat this deadly disease. We should all do out part in trying to get the word out.

One interesting study is called, "Asbestos Fibres in Beverages and Drinking Water"

Nature 232, 332 - 333 (30 July 1971); by H. M. CUNNINGHAM & R. PONTEFRACT

Food and Drug Directorate, Department of Health and Welfare, Ottawa

Here is an excerpt: "THE hazards of inhaling asbestos fibres1-4, the high incidence of gastrointestinal cancer1,2,5-7 and abdominal neoplasms3,8,9 among asbestos workers and the fact that asbestos fibres may penetrate the mucosa of the stomach and the intestine of animals10,11 are known and so it is important to study the distribution of asbestos fibres in the environment. Asbestos fibres have already been found in beer12, and the occurrence of fibres 0.5 nm in length and 0.01 nm in diameter suggests that such material may find its way through filtering systems into city drinking water supplies, and this we have been able to confirm."

Another interesting study is called, "Prevention of asbestos-induced cell death in rat lung fibroblasts and alveolar macrophages by scavengers of active oxygen species" by

Shatos, M.A. ; Doherty, J.M. ; Marsh, J.P.; and Mossman, B.T. - Publication Date 1987 Oct 01 Resource Relation Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States); Journal Volume: 44:1 - Research Org Univ. of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington. Here is an excerpt: " The possible modulation of asbestos-related cell death using antioxidants in both target and effector cells of asbestosis was investigated. After exposure to crocidolite asbestos at a range of concentrations (2.5-25 ..mu..gcm/sup 2/ dish), the viability of a normal rat lung fibroblast line and freshly isolated alveolar macrophages (AM) was determined. In comparison to fibroblasts, AM were more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of asbestos. Cytotoxic concentrations of asbestos then were added to both cell types in combination with the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), a scavenger of superoxide (O/sub 2//sup -./), and catalase, an enzyme scavenging H/sub 2/O/sub 2/. Dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a scavenger of the hydroxyl radical (OH/sup ./) and deferoxamine, an iron chelator, also were evaluated in similar studies. Results showed significant dosage-dependent reduction of asbestos-associated cell death with all agents. In contrast, asbestos-induced toxicity was not ameliorated after addition of chemically inactivated SOD and catalase or bovine serum albumin. Results above suggest asbestos-induced cell damage is mediated by active oxygen species. In this regard, the iron associated with the fiber andor its interaction with cell membranes might be critical in deriving a modified Haber-Weiss (Fenton-type) reaction resulting in production of OH/sup ./."

If you found either of these excerpts interesting, please read the studies in their entirety. Additionally, please do your part to try and raise awareness about mesothelioma. This article should not be construed as legal nor medical advice.