Thai Asbestos Study Reveals The Relentless Risk of Mesothelioma

It’s long been known that asbestos is a carcinogenic material, and that it has caused countless deaths from malignant mesothelioma, as well as other serious illnesses including asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer. While efforts have been made internationally to reduce the use of the mineral, a recent study conducted in Thailand revealed just how difficult it is to protect people from asbestos exposure when it concluded that almost half of the country’s population is likely to have asbestos particles in their lungs when they die.

Half Of Those Who Died In 1-Year-Period Had Asbestos In Their Lungs

The asbestos study was not targeting malignant mesothelioma. Rather, researchers from the Department of Pathology at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok wanted to determine how many people who died in Thailand in a one-year period had traces of asbestos in their lungs. The post-mortem analysis indicated that the mineral was present in the lungs of 48.5% of the 200 autopsies conducted, regardless of what they had died of, their sex, or their age. The toxic fibers were even found in the lungs of a two-year-old who had died of congenital heart disease. 

Study Supports The Challenge of Protecting Against Mesothelioma

In speaking to their findings, the study’s co-author, Dr. Pimpin Incharoen, expressed surprise at the prevalence of asbestos, which was far greater than had been indicated in a similar study conducted in 1985. At that time asbestos was found in decedent’s lungs in 33% of the autopsies conducted over the course of the year. The Dr. says that this is an indication of how difficult it is for the body human body to expel asbestos once it is inhaled or ingested.

Though Thailand’s study revealed a higher percentage of people with asbestos in their lungs then did a study conducted in Italy, the country is one of the world’s largest importers and users of the carcinogenic material. It is impossible to say whether this has translated into high asbestos rates, as Thailand does not specifically track asbestos-related disease, and therefore it is unknown how many mesothelioma deaths the country actually experiences.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, it means that you have been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life. For help in identifying the source of your illness, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri