Occupational disease
Occupational mesothelioma
Apr
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs. Experts classify mesothelioma into different types based on the location of the lesions, with the most common being the mesothelium surrounding the lungs. Additionally, mesothelioma can also occur in other locations such as the abdomen, pericardium, and around the testes.
Mesothelioma is extremely dangerous with a high risk of death because treatment methods are still under research. Currently, treatments for this malignant disease mainly aim to help patients live as comfortably as possible.
1. What is occupational mesothelioma?
Occupational mesothelioma is a type of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos dust during work. Mesothelioma is often associated with occupations where asbestos exposure is high, increasing the risk of the disease. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is very durable and heat-resistant, and it has been widely used in daily life.
Asbestos is most dangerous when it becomes friable. The term “friable” means that asbestos can easily crumble by hand, releasing fibers into the air. Asbestos often becomes friable after roofing sheets have been used for several years, exposed to rain, wind, and moss, which deteriorates the cement protective layer. Damage and degradation increase the friability of asbestos-containing materials. Water damage, continuous vibration, aging, and physical impacts such as drilling, grinding, polishing, cutting, sawing, or impacts can cause materials to break and release fibers more easily.
2. Occupations at risk of mesothelioma
Common jobs and sources of exposure:
- Drilling, demolition, mining of asbestos-containing ore or rock.
- Crushing, grinding, screening, and dry handling of asbestos-containing ore or rock.
- Carding, spinning, and weaving asbestos fibers.
- Insulation work using asbestos.
- Manufacturing, repairing, handling asbestos-cement roofing sheets, asbestos and rubber gaskets, asbestos brake pads, asbestos cardboard and paper.
- Production of phosphate fertilizer, auto and motorcycle repair.
- Other jobs involving exposure to asbestos dust.
3. Mechanism and causes of mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins with genetic mutations in cells, leading to abnormal cells growing, multiplying, and proliferating uncontrollably. Mesothelioma is mostly found in the pleura, but can also occur in the peritoneum and pericardium.
To date, no other causes of this disease have been found worldwide, and exposure to asbestos dust is identified as the only pathway leading to mesothelioma development. People who inhale or ingest asbestos dust accumulate it in the lungs or stomach, causing irritation and resulting in occupational mesothelioma.
Those exposed to this “white dust” may also carry the risk home to family members due to clothing contaminated with asbestos dust if not changed or washed at the workplace. Besides occupational exposure, people living in houses built with asbestos-containing materials are also at high risk.
Discover the Occupational Mesothelioma Risk Assessment Tool, a specialized tool evaluating mesothelioma risk in workplaces. This tool provides detailed risk assessments and recommends safety measures, helping workers and managers understand and manage workplace risks. With a multidimensional database and advanced algorithms, it is a reliable source for medical professionals and occupational safety managers. Its primary goal is to protect workers from mesothelioma risk while supporting a safe and sustainable work environment.
4. Symptoms and harms of mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the site of origin:
- Pleural mesothelioma:
- Cough.
- Chest tightness, chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Pericardial mesothelioma:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Peritoneal and ovarian mesothelioma:
- Abdominal pain.
- Ascites.
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Abdominal mass.
- Unexplained weight loss.
In addition, those with occupational mesothelioma may also have related conditions such as lung cancer or asbestosis.
5. Protective equipment to prevent mesothelioma
Protective equipment is a key preventive measure, especially for those working in environments with asbestos exposure. Essential protective equipment includes:
- Respirators designed to cover the nose and mouth, preventing inhalation of asbestos fibers and other toxins.
- Dustproof jackets made of high-temperature-resistant materials.
- Protective clothing.
- Protective gloves.
- Safety goggles.
- Protective boots.
Additional equipment such as vacuum cleaners, adjustable work tables, and other measures help minimize asbestos exposure. Wearing protective gear and following safety regulations are the most effective ways to protect workers’ health and prevent occupational mesothelioma.
6. Compensation for workers with mesothelioma
In Vietnam, workers with occupational mesothelioma are compensated according to the Social Insurance Law and relevant guidelines. Specifically:
- Receive health insurance to cover treatment and health care costs related to the disease.
- Receive social insurance benefits as regulated by the Social Insurance Law.
- If mesothelioma is caused by unsafe materials, tools, machinery, or equipment, the employer is responsible for compensation for the losses incurred.
- Workers with mesothelioma undergo occupational disease assessment to claim insurance benefits and support from social insurance agencies.
However, compensation for occupational mesothelioma in Vietnam remains challenging, especially in proving causation. Therefore, prevention through protective equipment and adherence to safety regulations is the most effective way to protect workers’ health.
7. Treatment of mesothelioma
Treatment depends on the patient’s health and disease characteristics such as stage and origin site. Currently, there is no specific cure, and mesothelioma is often diagnosed late, leading to poor prognosis. The treatment goal is mainly symptom control and improving comfort.
- Surgery may be applied for early-stage mesothelioma, to remove part or all malignant cells. It can also help relieve symptoms caused by tumor spread.
- Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Drugs travel throughout the body, helping shrink or slow tumor growth when surgery is not feasible. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to make the operation easier or afterward to reduce recurrence risk.
- Radiotherapy delivers high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to specific areas. Radiation can reduce symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and may be applied after biopsy or surgery to prevent tumor spread.
- Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may be combined to treat pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.
8. Prevention of occupational mesothelioma
To prevent mesothelioma, follow safety and preventive measures:
- Use protective tools and equipment when working in asbestos-risk environments.
- Implement dust control measures including regular cleaning and vacuuming.
- Follow occupational safety procedures, including training, minimizing exposure time, and using protective equipment.
- Regular health checkups for early detection.
- Avoid smoking or quit smoking to reduce risk of severe disease.
- Workers exposed to asbestos should shower and change clothes before leaving work to prevent carrying fibers home.
9. Employer responsibilities in preventing mesothelioma
Employers must ensure workers’ health and safety, especially in asbestos-related fields:
- Provide sufficient protective equipment such as masks, goggles, protective clothing, and gloves.
- Implement dust control measures, regular workplace cleaning, and install advanced dust extraction systems.
- Train employees in safety procedures, use of protective equipment, and asbestos dust prevention.
- Organize regular health checkups to monitor and detect asbestos-related diseases, especially occupational mesothelioma.
- Conduct workplace environment monitoring and report results to implement improvements for worker safety.
Organizations failing to meet responsibilities for mesothelioma prevention may face legal consequences, fines, or forced cessation of operations.
10. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for supervising and measuring occupational environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also assists clients in planning, handling, and monitoring workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centered,” the center ensures client satisfaction and provides optimal solutions for businesses.
Investments in technology and personnel have made Nam Viet’s monitoring center one of the most reputable in Ho Chi Minh City with goals such as:
- Prioritizing brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing clients with the best and most suitable services.
- Working with experienced Masters and Engineers to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Clients working with Nam Viet Monitoring Team receive professional service from experts and the best cost advantages.
11. Occupational environment monitoring pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective monitoring, Nam Viet provides occupational environment monitoring pricing tables with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our pricing tables provide detailed information about the services offered, including costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- We commit to offering competitive and reasonable prices, and are ready to answer all service-related inquiries promptly and professionally.
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