New Mineral Treatment for Asbestosis:
What Can the Science Tell Us?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. Asbestos was once used widely in things like cosmetics, toys, construction materials, and heat-resistant clothing. It is still used today in items such as brake linings because of its fire and heat-resistant qualities. When asbestos is disturbed, such as during a building renovation, mining, or a fire, the fibers can be released into the air or water. If asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested by people, they can lodge in the lungs and eventually lead to asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Over time, asbestos fibers lodged in the lungs irritate lung tissue and cause scarring. This scarring can lead to asbestosis, characterized by decreased lung capacity, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Developing asbestosis also increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs, abdomen, and other organs. The condition is irreversible and fatal.Many people are not diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma for decades after exposure because of the slow development of lung damage and symptoms. While symptoms may not appear for years, once diagnosed, there are few treatments for mesothelioma. Most patients die within two years.
Promising New Mineral Treatment?
Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney recently led a study, published in the journal FASEB BioAdvances, investigating the use of clinoptilolite as a treatment for asbestosis. Clinoptilolite is another naturally occurring mineral used to absorb odors and as a food and feed additive. It is a zeolite, meaning that the mineral has metal-binding properties. Chief investigator Tony George, an associate professor at UTS, explained that this research tested the theory that a zeolite like clinoptilolite would bind with the iron molecules released by asbestos fibers, “reducing asbestosis toxicity.”The study found that clinoptilolite reduced asbestos-induced cellular damage to cell lines, and significantly reduced malignant mesothelioma in mice. George reported that “This is the first report of success in delaying or preventing malignant mesothelioma in an animal model.” Despite the difficulty in recreating animal studies in humans, the researchers hope they will be able to fast-track a Phase I clinical trial.If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and have any questions, give us a call. We have been helping victims of asbestos exposure since 1972. Call us 888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us via our website. www.madeksholaw.com. There is no charge for a consultation.
