Weitz & Luxenberg Provides Information on leukemia and asbestos exposure

Is it true that in addition to mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis, asbestos can cause leukemia?

Although the incidence is much lower compared to mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis, there is some evidence suggesting that asbestos could cause certain types of leukemia.

Leukemia “is cancer of the body’s blood forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic systems.” (Mayo Clinic) It usually starts in the white blood cells, which can be perilous since your white blood cells are charged with warding off infectious agents. Normally “these cells grow and divide in an orderly way as your body needs them. But if you have leukemia, your bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal white blood cells which do not function properly.” (Mayo Clinic)

Weitz & Luxenberg has been offering legal assistance for clients with asbestos related diseases for over twenty years. Please bear in mind that we are not a medical institution, but we are more than willing to assist you in legal matters. We encourage you to contact us.

How can asbestos cause leukemia?

Although the exact “role asbestos exposure plays in the development of leukemia requires further investigation,” (NCBI) there have been instances of leukemia patients who were exposed to asbestos for an extended period.

When studying two leukemia patients who had been exposed to asbestos, investigators at the Kure Kyosai Hospital in Japan discovered “significant numbers of asbestos bodies (crocidolite asbestos) in the lungs and the bone marrow of the patients.” (NCBI) Since research is as yet inconclusive, it would perhaps be misleading to include leukemia in the list of asbestos related diseases.

What are the risk factors for leukemia?

Research suggests that long term exposure to certain toxic agents can cause leukemia. Below are just a few:

Radiation: “People exposed to very high levels of radiation are much more likely to get acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia.” For example, in the years that followed the dropping of the two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, scientists “noted an increase of leukemia cases in the late 1940s.” (Radiation Effects Research Foundation)

Tobacco: Along with lung cancer, emphysema and a host of other illnesses, “smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing leukemia.” (Medicine Net)

Benzene: “Exposure to benzene in the workplace can cause acute myeloid leukemia. It may also cause chronic myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia.” (Medicine Net)

Asbestos is linked to a myriad of dangerous illnesses

Scientists “have long wondered how asbestos causes so many life threatening illnesses.” (Google Books) At least three theories have been put forward:

When asbestos fibers enter the body, they attach themselves to DNA, pierce cell membranes and carry the DNA inside. Once inside the cell, this DNA may disrupt or turn off the genes that control a cell’s growth. With this control mechanism altered or completely shut down, the cell begins to duplicate wildly.” (Google Books)
“The DNA may carry cancer causing genes into the cell. Once inside, the genes become activated, triggering the cell to divide.” (Google Books)
“Asbestos fibers that enter the cell may damage chromosomes during cell division, which in turn may lead to harmful mutations.” (Google Books)

Let Weitz & Luxenberg provide you with the legal clout to get you the justice you deserve

Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is and the burden it so needlessly causes. Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related ailments. To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative from our firm will get in touch with shortly you for your free legal consultation. There is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.

Acknowledgements:

Google Books:

www.books.google.com/books?id=L28bHnPXo1AC&pg=PA392&lpg=PA392&dq=studies+leukemia+asbestos&source=bl&ots=FS0Ou3HO3z&sig=PyeBSAnyyqezSuczI6TVPDN7qtk&hl=en&ei=ZZioTcDaC4-2twfKlv3cBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=studies%20leukemia%20asbestos&f=false

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2840193

Radiation Effects Research Foundation: www.rerf.or.jp/radefx/late_e/leukemia.html

Medicine Net: www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/page3.htm

Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukemia/DS00351