Asbestos and its Diseases

John E. Craighead

In this book, the authors first consider the characteristics of the unique fibrous minerals known as asbestos and their discovery and then turn to a discussion of the major uses of these materials in the past. The epidemiology of the diseases asbestos cause and the risks associated with exposure are then discussed. Individual asbestos-associated diseases are considered in detail from the clinical, pathologic, and pathogenic perspectives in the context of approaches to diagnoses and treatment. The authors also explore the history of regulatory efforts based on governmental actions, and the complex story of litigation related to the asbestos-associated diseases in the United States. Finally, projections for the future world-wide occurrence of asbestos-related disease are calculated in the context of the 21st century.

Asbestos and its Diseases

John E. Craighead

Description

Although asbestos was once considered a miracle mineral, today even the word itself has ominous implications for all strata of our society. Incorporated in the past into over 3000 different industrial and consumer products, as well as in building materials and military equipment, opportunities for exposure continue to be ever present in our environment. Of all of us who are potentially exposed, blue collar workers are at greatest risk.

Countless thousands of workers and servicemen in a wide variety of trades were disabled or have died consequent to the health effects of asbestos, and many more can be expected to be affected in years to come. Litigation continues, and financial awards in the billions have bankrupt many Fortune 500 companies and numerous smaller companies.

While one might implicate our forefathers in this widespread, relentless medical catastrophe, it has been only in recent decades that science has appreciated the complexities of the problem and the long latencies before the asbestos-associated diseases appear clinically. After all these years, prevention remains the hallmark of disease control, as modern treatments remain, to a large extent, futile.

Asbestos and its Diseases

John E. Craighead

1. From Cotton-Stone to the New York Conference: Asbestos-Related Diseases 1878-1965
2. Mineralogy of Asbestos
3. Exposure and Disease Associated with Asbestos Industrial Products and Environmental Exposure
4. Epidemiology and Risk Assessment
5. Molecular Responses to Asbestos: Induction of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via Modulation of Redox-Dependent Cell Signaling Pathways
6. Benign Pleural and Parenchymal Disease Associated with Asbestos Exposure
7. Lung Cancer Associated with Asbestos Exposure
8. Malignant Disease of the Pleura, Peritoneum, and Other Serosal Surfaces
9. Non-Thoracic Cancers Possibly Resulting from Asbestos
10. Diagnostic Features and Clinical Evaluation of the Asbestos-Associated Disease
11. Radiological Features of the Asbestos-Associated Diseases
12. Mineral Fiber Analysis and Asbestos-Related Diseases
13. U.S. Governmental Regulatory Approaches and Actions
14. Therapeutic Approaches to Malignant Mesothelioma
15. Asbestos Exposure and the Law in the United States
16. Asbestos Exposure and Disease in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Asbestos and its Diseases

John E. Craighead

Reviews and Awards

"...a comprehensive and up-to-date treatise...The book achieves its likely intended goals well. To interested specialist practitioners, it comes across as very reachable. I would consider it a very practical resource to add to my personal library."--Doody's