Medical Encyclopedia Entries
Medical Encyclopedia Entries: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Asbestos-Related Illnesses
This section of the encyclopedia explores the medical and scientific dimensions of asbestos exposure. From rare cancers like mesothelioma to diagnostic imaging techniques and emerging biomarkers, these categories provide a comprehensive look at the health impacts of asbestos. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate, these articles offer clear explanations backed by scientific and legal context.
Diseases & Conditions
Asbestos-Related Diseases and Conditions This category includes the major health conditions caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These diseases often have long latency periods and devastating effects, making early recognition and accurate diagnosis critical. Legal claims and compensation often hinge on understanding the nuances of these conditions and their link to occupational exposure.
The following 11 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Asbestosis — Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Colon Cancer — Colon cancer, a malignancy originating in the large intestine, is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
Cor Pulmonale — Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by the enlargement and failure of the right ventricle of the heart due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension).
Lung Cancer — Lung cancer is a malignant disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue.
Mesothelioma — Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells lining the serosal cavities of the body, including the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdomen), and pericardium (heart).
Ovarian Cancer — Ovarian cancer is a malignant condition originating in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Pleural Plaques — Pleural plaques are discrete areas of thickened tissue on the parietal pleura, the membrane lining the chest wall and diaphragm.
Pleural Thickening — Pleural thickening is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.
Pneumoconiosis — Pneumoconiosis is a group of occupational lung diseases caused by the inhalation and retention of mineral dusts, leading to lung tissue damage and fibrosis.
Silicosis — Silicosis is a progressive and often fatal lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust.
Throat Cancer — Throat cancer, medically referred to as cancers of the pharynx and larynx, encompasses malignancies that develop in the tissues of the throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx (voice box).
The following 13 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Anthophyllite — Anthophyllite is a member of the amphibole group of minerals, characterized by its fibrous structure and chemical composition of (Mg, Fe+2)7(Si8O22)(OH, F)2.
Apoptosis — Apoptosis, often referred to as "programmed cell death," is a highly regulated biological process that eliminates damaged, dysfunctional, or potentially dangerous cells from the body.
Asbestiform Minerals — Asbestiform minerals are a subset of silicate minerals that naturally occur in a fibrous form.
Bystander Exposure — Bystander exposure refers to the indirect inhalation of asbestos fibers by individuals who are not directly handling asbestos materials but are in proximity to asbestos-related activities.
Crocidolite — Crocidolite, commonly referred to as "blue asbestos," is widely regarded as the most hazardous form of asbestos due to its unique physical and chemical properties, as well as its strong association with severe asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
Cumulative Exposure — Cumulative exposure refers to the total amount of a hazardous substance, such as asbestos fibers, that an individual has been exposed to over time.
Erionite — Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous zeolite mineral with a chemical composition of approximately $$NaK_2MgCa_1/Al_8Si_{28}O_{72} \cdot 28H_2O$$.
Frequency, Proximity, and Regularity — The terms "frequency, proximity, and regularity" are critical in understanding and evaluating asbestos exposure, both from a medical and legal perspective.
Irving Selikoff — Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (1915–1992) was a preeminent American physician and researcher whose groundbreaking work on asbestos-related diseases fundamentally reshaped public health policies, occupational safety standards, and legal frameworks surrounding asbestos exposure.
Latency Period — The term "latency period" refers to the time interval between an individual’s initial exposure to a harmful substance, such as asbestos, and the manifestation of related diseases.
Phagocytosis — Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in which specialized cells, known as phagocytes, engulf and digest foreign particles, pathogens, and cellular debris.
Secondary Exposure — Secondary exposure, also known as "bystander exposure" or "take-home exposure," refers to indirect contact with asbestos fibers by individuals who were not directly involved in handling asbestos-containing materials.
The Amphibole Group of Minerals and Their Asbestiform Varieties — The amphibole group of minerals is a diverse and complex family of silicate minerals characterized by their double-chain crystal structure.
Microscopy & Analytical Techniques
Detecting Asbestos Fibers at the Microscopic Level This category focuses on the scientific tools used to identify and analyze asbestos, including phase contrast microscopy (PCM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). These techniques are central to exposure investigations, environmental testing, and legal proof of fiber presence in materials or lungs.
The following 1 Encyclopedia entry are primarily about this category:
Midget Impinger — The Midget Impinger is a historical air-sampling device that played a pivotal role in monitoring airborne asbestos fibers in industrial and occupational settings.
Occupational & Exposure Concepts
How, Where, and Why People Were Exposed to Asbestos This category examines the real-world scenarios in which people came into contact with asbestos — from occupational exposure in shipyards and factories to secondary exposure at home. Topics include job duties, airborne fiber levels, household contamination, and cumulative dose. These entries are essential for reconstructing exposure histories and establishing liability in legal claims
The following 9 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Bystander Exposure — Bystander exposure refers to the indirect inhalation of asbestos fibers by individuals who are not directly handling asbestos materials but are in proximity to asbestos-related activities.
Cumulative Exposure — Cumulative exposure refers to the total amount of a hazardous substance, such as asbestos fibers, that an individual has been exposed to over time.
Encapsulation of Asbestos — Encapsulation of asbestos refers to a method of managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) by applying a sealant or coating to the material to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
Erionite — Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous zeolite mineral with a chemical composition of approximately $$NaK_2MgCa_1/Al_8Si_{28}O_{72} \cdot 28H_2O$$.
Frequency, Proximity, and Regularity — The terms "frequency, proximity, and regularity" are critical in understanding and evaluating asbestos exposure, both from a medical and legal perspective.
Gunite — Gunite, also known as "dry-mix shotcrete," is a construction material composed of dry cement, sand, and water, which is pneumatically applied through a hose and mixed with water at the nozzle.
Latency Period — The term "latency period" refers to the time interval between an individual’s initial exposure to a harmful substance, such as asbestos, and the manifestation of related diseases.
Secondary Exposure — Secondary exposure, also known as "bystander exposure" or "take-home exposure," refers to indirect contact with asbestos fibers by individuals who were not directly involved in handling asbestos-containing materials.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) — The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is a guideline developed to indicate the level of exposure to a chemical substance or physical agent, such as asbestos, that is considered safe for workers during a standard workday.
The following 53 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Actinolite — Actinolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous structure when in its asbestos form.
Ambler, Pennsylvania — Ambler, Pennsylvania, often referred to as the "asbestos capital of the world," holds a significant place in the history of asbestos manufacturing, public health crises, and subsequent litigation.
Amosite — Amosite, also known as "brown asbestos," is one of the six recognized types of asbestos minerals.
Anthophyllite — Anthophyllite is a member of the amphibole group of minerals, characterized by its fibrous structure and chemical composition of (Mg, Fe+2)7(Si8O22)(OH, F)2.
Armstrong World Industries — Armstrong World Industries, originally known as Armstrong Cork Company, was a major manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing products throughout the 20th century.
ASARCO — ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company) is a prominent example of corporate involvement in asbestos-related industries and the subsequent legal and medical consequences of asbestos exposure.
Asbestiform Minerals — Asbestiform minerals are a subset of silicate minerals that naturally occur in a fibrous form.
Asbestos Fiber Grades — Asbestos fiber grades are a critical classification system used to categorize asbestos fibers based on their length, quality, and intended industrial application.
Asbestosis — Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Aspect Ratio of Asbestos Fibers — The aspect ratio of asbestos fibers is a critical parameter in understanding their physical properties, health implications, and legal significance.
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) — Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) is a prominent name in the industrial and energy sectors, known for its engineering and manufacturing of boilers, power generation systems, and other heavy industrial equipment.
Chrysotile — Chrysotile, often referred to as "white asbestos," is the most prevalent form of asbestos and belongs to the serpentine mineral group.
Chrysotile, Arizona — Chrysotile, a fibrous form of serpentine mineral, has been a significant focus in the history of asbestos mining and its associated health and legal implications.
Clarence Borel — Clarence Borel, a career insulator from Texas, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation.
Colon Cancer — Colon cancer, a malignancy originating in the large intestine, is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
Combustion Engineering — Combustion Engineering, a prominent American engineering firm, played a significant role in the development and manufacturing of industrial equipment, including boilers, furnaces, and other heat-generating machinery.
Congoleum — Congoleum Industries, a prominent manufacturer of vinyl-asbestos flooring, played a significant role in the history of asbestos exposure and subsequent litigation.
Cor Pulmonale — Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by the enlargement and failure of the right ventricle of the heart due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension).
Crocidolite — Crocidolite, commonly referred to as "blue asbestos," is widely regarded as the most hazardous form of asbestos due to its unique physical and chemical properties, as well as its strong association with severe asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
Crystal Habit — Crystal habit refers to the external shape or morphology of a mineral crystal, determined by its internal atomic structure and environmental conditions during formation.
Durabla — Durabla, a company historically known for manufacturing industrial gaskets and sealing products, played a significant role in the asbestos industry during the 20th century.
Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius — Beyond its historical significance, the event also holds relevance in the context of asbestos-related studies due to the discovery of asbestos-containing materials in the aftermath of the eruption.
Flexitallic Gasket Company — The Flexitallic Gasket Company, a prominent manufacturer of industrial gaskets and sealing products, has played a significant role in the history of asbestos use in industrial applications.
Fuller Austin — Fuller Austin, a construction and insulation company, has become a significant name in the history of asbestos litigation due to its involvement in the use and distribution of asbestos-containing materials.
GAF Corporation — GAF Corporation, originally known as the General Aniline & Film Corporation, became a significant entity in the asbestos industry through its acquisition of the Ruberoid Company in 1967.
H.W. Johns — H.W. Johns, born in the mid-19th century, was a pivotal figure in the development of the asbestos industry in the United States. As the founder of the H.W. Johns Manufacturing Company, he played a critical role in popularizing asbestos as a versatile industrial material.
Harbison-Walker — Harbison-Walker Refractories Company, a prominent manufacturer of refractory products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos use and the subsequent wave of asbestos-related litigation.
Jeffery Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, Canada, is one of the most historically significant asbestos mines in the world.
Kaiser Gypsum Company — Kaiser Gypsum Company, a prominent manufacturer of building materials, played a significant role in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century.
Kaylo — Kaylo is a thermal insulation product historically manufactured by Owens-Illinois and later by Owens Corning.
Lung Cancer — Lung cancer is a malignant disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue.
Mesothelioma — Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells lining the serosal cavities of the body, including the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdomen), and pericardium (heart).
Midget Impinger — The Midget Impinger is a historical air-sampling device that played a pivotal role in monitoring airborne asbestos fibers in industrial and occupational settings.
Montague Murray Report — The Montague Murray Report, presented in 1906 to a British parliamentary committee on compensation for industrial diseases, is a landmark document in the history of occupational health and asbestos-related disease recognition.
Morro Castle — The SS Morro Castle was a luxury passenger liner operated by the Ward Line, which tragically caught fire off the coast of New Jersey on September 8, 1934.
Naval Use of Asbestos — The use of asbestos in naval operations represents a significant chapter in the history of occupational exposure to toxic substances.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Asbestos Standards — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) asbestos standards are a critical component of workplace safety regulations in the United States, designed to protect workers from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.
Owens-Corning — Owens-Corning, a prominent American manufacturer of building materials, has been at the center of asbestos-related litigation for decades.
Phagocytosis — Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in which specialized cells, known as phagocytes, engulf and digest foreign particles, pathogens, and cellular debris.
Pleural Plaques — Pleural plaques are discrete areas of thickened tissue on the parietal pleura, the membrane lining the chest wall and diaphragm.
Pleural Thickening — Pleural thickening is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.
Pneumoconiosis — Pneumoconiosis is a group of occupational lung diseases caused by the inhalation and retention of mineral dusts, leading to lung tissue damage and fibrosis.
Quebec Asbestos Mining Association — The Quebec Asbestos Mining Association (QAMA), established in 1931, was a pivotal organization representing the interests of asbestos mining companies in Quebec, Canada.
Silicosis — Silicosis is a progressive and often fatal lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust.
The Amphibole Group of Minerals and Their Asbestiform Varieties — The amphibole group of minerals is a diverse and complex family of silicate minerals characterized by their double-chain crystal structure.
The Jeffrey Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, is one of the most infamous asbestos mines in the world.
Throat Cancer — Throat cancer, medically referred to as cancers of the pharynx and larynx, encompasses malignancies that develop in the tissues of the throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx (voice box).
Tremolite — Tremolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous or asbestiform structure.
Turner & Newall — Turner & Newall (T&N) was a British multinational company that became synonymous with the asbestos industry during the 20th century.
Unibestos — Unibestos is a brand of asbestos-containing insulation material that played a significant role in the history of asbestos-related occupational exposure and subsequent litigation.
Vermiculite Contamination — Vermiculite contamination refers to the presence of asbestos fibers, particularly tremolite asbestos, in vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral widely used in construction, insulation, and agricultural products.
Yarway Corporation — Yarway Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial valves, steam traps, and other equipment, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical use of asbestos-containing materials in its products.
Zeolite — Zeolites are a group of naturally occurring and synthetic minerals characterized by their porous, crystalline structure, which allows them to act as molecular sieves.
Diagnostic Tools & Biomarkers
Tools for Detecting Asbestos-Related Disease This category covers the tests and technologies used to identify asbestos-related illnesses, including imaging methods like chest X-rays and CT scans, specialized readings such as B-Reads, and biological markers like calretinin and mesothelin. These tools are critical for early detection, proper diagnosis, and documentation in both medical management and legal claims.
Biological & Molecular Mechanisms
How Asbestos Triggers Disease at the Cellular Level This category explores the microscopic processes that turn exposure into illness — including phagocytosis, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and chronic inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms bridges the gap between environmental exposure and medical outcome, and supports causation arguments in both science and court.
The following 2 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Apoptosis — Apoptosis, often referred to as "programmed cell death," is a highly regulated biological process that eliminates damaged, dysfunctional, or potentially dangerous cells from the body.
Phagocytosis — Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in which specialized cells, known as phagocytes, engulf and digest foreign particles, pathogens, and cellular debris.
Scientific Studies & Breakthroughs
Research That Changed What We Know About Asbestos This category highlights the peer-reviewed studies, lab findings, and clinical trials that deepened scientific understanding of asbestos toxicity. It includes landmark epidemiological research, fiber morphology studies, and experimental therapies. These entries are central to both medical decision-making and legal arguments about when industry “should have known” the dangers.
The following 1 Encyclopedia entry are primarily about this category:
Braun-Traun Epidemiological Study — The Braun-Truan Epidemiological Study, conducted by Daniel C.
Treatments & Therapies
Managing Asbestos-Related Illnesses This category focuses on the medical and experimental treatments available for asbestos-related conditions, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and emerging therapies. Understanding treatment options is vital for patients, caregivers, and attorneys navigating compensation claims involving medical expenses and life expectancy.
Anatomy & Physiology
How Asbestos Affects the Human Body This category explains the organs and biological systems affected by asbestos exposure — especially the lungs, pleura, and peritoneum. It also includes structural concepts like alveoli, pleural lining, and cilia. These entries provide the anatomical foundation for understanding how inhaled fibers lead to chronic disease and cancer.
Research & Epidemiology
Studying Asbestos Exposure at the Population Level This category covers the studies, models, and data that help us understand how asbestos exposure affects populations over time. Topics include dose-response curves, latency periods, cohort studies, and geographic hotspots. Epidemiology is key to proving general causation in court — and guiding public health decisions outside it.
The following 18 Encyclopedia entries are also relevant to this category:
Actinolite — Actinolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous structure when in its asbestos form.
Amosite — Amosite, also known as "brown asbestos," is one of the six recognized types of asbestos minerals.
Biological Effects of Asbestos Conference — The "Biological Effects of Asbestos" conference, held under the auspices of the New York Academy of Sciences in 1964, was a landmark event in the study of asbestos-related health risks.
Braun-Traun Epidemiological Study — The Braun-Truan Epidemiological Study, conducted by Daniel C.
Colon Cancer — Colon cancer, a malignancy originating in the large intestine, is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
Cumulative Exposure — Cumulative exposure refers to the total amount of a hazardous substance, such as asbestos fibers, that an individual has been exposed to over time.
E.R.A. Merewether — E.R.A. Merewether, a British physician and Senior Medical Inspector of Factories for the U.K. Ministry of Labour, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the early study of asbestos-related diseases.
Erionite — Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous zeolite mineral with a chemical composition of approximately $$NaK_2MgCa_1/Al_8Si_{28}O_{72} \cdot 28H_2O$$.
Irving Selikoff — Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (1915–1992) was a preeminent American physician and researcher whose groundbreaking work on asbestos-related diseases fundamentally reshaped public health policies, occupational safety standards, and legal frameworks surrounding asbestos exposure.
Leroy Gardner — Leroy U. Gardner was a prominent researcher at the Saranac Laboratory for the Study of Tuberculosis, whose work in the 1930s and 1940s significantly advanced the understanding of asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma — Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells lining the serosal cavities of the body, including the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdomen), and pericardium (heart).
Ovarian Cancer — Ovarian cancer is a malignant condition originating in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Pleural Thickening — Pleural thickening is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.
Richard Doll — Sir Richard Doll (1912–2005) was a pioneering British epidemiologist whose work significantly advanced the understanding of occupational and environmental health risks, including the link between asbestos exposure and cancer.
Throat Cancer — Throat cancer, medically referred to as cancers of the pharynx and larynx, encompasses malignancies that develop in the tissues of the throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx (voice box).
Tremolite — Tremolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous or asbestiform structure.
W.C. Hueper — Dr. Wilhelm Carl Hueper (1894–1978) was a groundbreaking figure in the study of occupational and environmental cancers,
W.E. Cooke — Dr. William Edmund Cooke (1881–1959) was a British pathologist whose groundbreaking work in the early 20th century established the first documented link between asbestos exposure and severe lung disease.
Genetics & Oncology
Genetic Risk and Cancer Mechanisms in Asbestos Exposure This category covers the genetic and cellular mechanisms behind asbestos-related cancers, including tumor suppressor gene mutations like BAP1 and the oncogenesis of mesothelioma. These entries bridge molecular biology and legal relevance — showing how genetics may influence susceptibility, causation, and defense strategy in complex cases.
The following 1 Encyclopedia entry are also relevant to this category:
Apoptosis — Apoptosis, often referred to as "programmed cell death," is a highly regulated biological process that eliminates damaged, dysfunctional, or potentially dangerous cells from the body.
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