April 11, 2012 – A recent study published in Britain’s Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has linked occupational asbestos exposure to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The study investigated the impact of asbestos as an inflammatory agent, given that inflammation is now known to cause heart disease and stroke. Based on standard death statistics, the study concluded that asbestos workers were notably more vulnerable to die of cardiovascular disease than the general population.
Heart Disease and Stroke More Likely for Women Exposed to Asbestos
The study monitored over 90,000 asbestos workers, who were an average age of 35 when their first medical examination took place. Most of the women involved in the study worked in asbestos manufacturing, while most of the men worked in asbestos removal. The study period ran from 1971 to 2005 and compared the number of deaths from stroke or heart attacks against the expected number of deaths that would occur in the general population. Women exposed to asbestos were 100% more likely to die of a stroke and 89% more likely to die of heart disease. Men asbestos workers were 63% more likely to die of stroke and 39% more likely to die of heart disease.
Recognized Asbestos-Related Diseases
Studies taking place over the last 70 years have shown how dangerous and, in most instances, fatal asbestos exposure can be. Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 10,000 deaths per year in the United States; 30-40 percent of those deaths are from Mesothelioma. Medical professionals continue to link other cancers, including colon, kidney and GI cancers to asbestos exposure. This study by Britain’s Health and Safety Laboratory linking fatal stroke and heart disease in asbestos workers to asbestos exposure means that asbestos-related deaths may actually be underestimated.
Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Help Victims Exposed to Asbestos
The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at Shein Law are dedicated to advocating for sufferers of asbestos exposure. With offices in Philadelphia and New Jersey, our attorneys have a long history of successfully representing the victims of asbestos-related diseases and their families, obtaining the just compensation they deserve for their losses resulting from asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related illness, call us today at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact us online to discuss your concerns with a knowledgeable, compassionate asbestos attorney.