Doll Factories: A New Source of Mesothelioma in Women
Women and children who live in close proximity to mesothelioma workers have always been at heightened risk for contracting mesothelioma. Nonetheless, the incidences of mesothelioma among women have only rarely been investigated. Even in cases where the cause of a mesothelioma diagnosis is identified, it is often attributed to secondary exposure.
Italian researchers, however, have identified a new direct source of asbestos exposure after reviewing more than 700 cases of mesothelioma in Italian workers. This new research is shedding light on how women can contract mesothelioma in occupational settings.
Incidence of Mesothelioma Among Women
After reviewing a database of more than 700 mesothelioma cases collected since 1993, researchers found three young women who contracted mesothelioma. The cause of the mesothelioma for all three women was initially listed as unknown.
Researchers found that two of the three women — who all died from mesothelioma — worked at the same doll-making factory. They concluded that the factory was the most likely source of the asbestos exposure.
Assessing the Risk of Mesothelioma
While researchers were able to identify the source of the Mesothelioma exposure in this case, the evidence was obtained only after a judge-ordered autopsy on the lung tissue of one of the female workers. Researchers were able to find high concentrations of amphibole asbestos fibers in her lungs sufficient to switch the asbestos exposure “unknown” designation to “occupational certified.”
As Vogelzang Law mesothelioma attorney Nicholas Vogelzang notes “no occupation should ever be ruled out for asbestos exposure. We are constantly discovering new affected and jobs that put the lives of Americans at risk.”
Under-reporting due to lack of sufficient research is one of the key barriers to educating mesothelioma victims and their families. Additionally, as the report indicates, a lung analysis could be the key to resolving the uncertainty in mesothelioma cases where the asbestos exposure is uncertain.
One of the first things that the Vogelzang Law firm does when confronted with unknown asbestos exposure cases is launch an investigation. Clients almost always remember more than they think and part of our job is to piece together the work history of our clients and their family members.
Many asbestos and mesothelioma causing companies have been identified. However, there are still many occupations that can cause mesothelioma where
The report, “Pleural mesothelioma in doll manufacture: possible asbestos exposure”, was first reported in the Italian journal of occupational medicine.
