Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a specialized type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. These plasma cells produce antibodies, crucial components of the immune system that help fight infections. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells become abnormal and start multiplying uncontrollably, crowding out healthy bone marrow cells and leading to a cascade of health complications.

While the exact causes of multiple myeloma remain under investigation, research suggests a complex interplay of genetic factors, environmental exposures, and aging. 

Asbestos exposure, a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, has been a subject of interest in the context of multiple myeloma.

Multiple studies have already proven a direct link between asbestos exposure and a wide range of cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The evidence synthesis from other research also supports a causal link between occupational asbestos exposure and esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancer.

This article explores the current understanding of the potential association between asbestos and multiple myeloma.

Despite extensive research, a definitive link between asbestos exposure and multiple myeloma has not been established. Several studies have investigated this potential association, yielding conflicting and inconclusive results.

Some studies have observed a slightly increased risk of multiple myeloma in individuals with a history of asbestos exposure compared to those without exposure. However, other studies haven’t found a significant association.

The lack of strong evidence for a direct link can be attributed to several factors:

·        Complex Disease Origin: Multiple myeloma likely arises from a complex interplay of genetics, environmental exposures, and even chance mutations. This intricate web makes it difficult to isolate the specific role of asbestos exposure in disease development.  Unlike lung cancer, where the direct inhalation of asbestos fibers into the lungs is a clear pathway for damage, the potential link between asbestos and multiple myeloma is less straightforward.

·        Challenges in Exposure Assessment: Accurately measuring past asbestos exposure can be challenging, as exposure often occurred decades before the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Asbestos-related cancer and health can take 20 to 50 years to appear. As one researcher put it, “Many patients who developed asbestos cancer, especially women, were unaware that they had been exposed to a time bomb with a very long fuse.”

·        Confounding Variables: Studies investigating the link between asbestos and MM need to account for many other factors that can influence disease risk.  These include genetic predispositions, age (multiple myeloma risk increases with age), and exposure to other carcinogens.  Disentangling the specific contribution of asbestos from this complex web of influences requires meticulous research design and analysis to avoid misleading conclusions.

The Overlap with Benzene Exposure: A Shared Risk Factor

While the evidence for a direct link between asbestos and multiple myeloma is weak, an interesting overlap exists between their risk factors. Benzene, a known carcinogen found in various industrial settings like petrochemical plants, has a much stronger association with multiple myeloma. These same industrial settings often used asbestos extensively, leading to workers being exposed to both carcinogens.

Asbestos was used in buildings, vehicles, and thousands of other products. Anyone who worked in an industrial profession before 1982 may have been exposed to asbestos.

This shared occupational exposure history makes it difficult to disentangle each factor’s specific contribution to the development of multiple myeloma. Individuals exposed to asbestos may also have been exposed to benzene, potentially masking or confounding the impact of asbestos on multiple myeloma development.

Asbestos and Other Cancers: A Well-Documented Threat

While the link between asbestos and multiple myeloma remains under investigation, the dangers of asbestos exposure extend far beyond this specific cancer.  Asbestos is a well-documented carcinogen, meaning it has a well-established ability to cause cancer in humans.  The potential consequences of exposure paint a grim picture, encompassing various types of cancer that can devastate a person’s health.

Here are some of the most common asbestos-related cancers:

·        Lung Cancer: Lung cancer stands as the most prevalent and well-recognized asbestos-related cancer.  These microscopic asbestos fibers irritate and damage the delicate lung tissue when inhaled.  Over time, this chronic irritation disrupts the normal cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors.  This unchecked growth defines cancer, and in the case of lung cancer, it can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms and significantly impact the quality of life for patients.

·        Mesothelioma: Asbestos exposure doesn’t just affect the lungs directly.  These fibers can travel through the body, migrating and becoming lodged in other tissues.  This migration can have devastating consequences, particularly for the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum).  Mesothelioma, an aggressive and often fatal cancer, can develop in these areas as a result of asbestos fiber irritation and inflammation.  Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs, while peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the lining of the abdomen.  Both forms of this cancer can cause significant pain, breathing difficulties, and a decline in overall health.

·        Other Cancers: Studies suggest a potential association between asbestos exposure and cancers of the throat, stomach, colorectal region, and ovaries.

Second-Hand Exposure: A Hidden Danger

While occupational exposure through working in asbestos-related industries poses the highest risk, second-hand asbestos exposure poses a threat as well.

Asbestos has no taste or smell, and you might not know you’re breathing or swallowing it. That’s why, in the past decade or so, the number of people with asbestos diseases who did not realize they had been exposed has risen dramatically. Many of these people weren’t at a worksite or location with asbestos—but they lived with someone who did work with asbestos and brought asbestos-tainted work clothes or tools into their vehicles and homes.

Here are some common scenarios involving second-hand exposure:

·        Exposure Among Family Members: Asbestos fibers can cling to workers’ clothing, hair, and tools and be unknowingly brought home, potentially exposing family members, especially spouses and children. Studies show that sharing a household or vehicle with someone who regularly wore asbestos-tainted clothing exposes you to enough asbestos to cause health problems. Another study found that the largest individual category of women exposed to asbestos wasn’t working in an industrial profession. One in five were housewives.

·        Exposure from the Renovation or Demolition of an Older Building: Older buildings often contain asbestos-containing materials. Renovation or demolition activities can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing a risk to occupants if proper safety measures aren’t taken. Some of the highest levels of asbestos exposure observed in research studies involved renovating asbestos wall boards and cement materials.

·        Exposure from Contaminated Soil or Water: Asbestos-containing materials dumped in landfills or naturally occurring asbestos in soil and water can be a source of exposure, particularly in areas with a history of asbestos mining or use.

Individuals concerned about potential second-hand exposure should consult a healthcare professional and may benefit from having their home or workplace inspected for asbestos.

The devastating health consequences of asbestos exposure have spurred the creation of various resources offering a lifeline to individuals and families grappling with this burden. Understanding these options can empower those affected to navigate the financial and legal complexities associated with asbestos-related cancers.

Here’s an overview of financial aid and legal support options available:

·        Government Programs: Government-funded healthcare programs can help alleviate the burden of treatment costs for asbestos-related cancers, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and potentially multiple myeloma, if a stronger link is established in the future.  Benefits and eligibility criteria can vary depending on the specific program and country. Researching and exploring these options is crucial to determine if you qualify for financial assistance.

·        Veterans’ Benefits: Veterans who served in the military are at an increased risk of asbestos exposure due to the historical use of asbestos in ships, buildings, and military equipment.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes this risk and offers a range of benefits to veterans who have developed asbestos-related illnesses.  These benefits may include medical care, disability compensation, and financial assistance with dependent care.  Veterans concerned about potential asbestos exposure and its health consequences should contact the VA to learn more about available benefits and eligibility requirements.

·        Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies that manufactured or sold asbestos filed for bankruptcy due to the overwhelming number of lawsuits related to asbestos-related diseases.  As part of the bankruptcy settlements, these companies established asbestos trust funds.  These funds are intended to compensate individuals diagnosed with qualifying asbestos-related illnesses.  The eligibility criteria and compensation amounts can vary depending on the specific trust fund and the severity of the disease. Consulting with an asbestos attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim with the appropriate trust fund(s).

How an Asbestos Attorney Can Help

Beyond the financial aid options mentioned above, legal support from an asbestos attorney can be instrumental in securing compensation for those affected by asbestos-related cancers. 

These attorneys specialize in navigating the complexities of asbestos litigation and can help you:

·        Establish Eligibility for Compensation: Attorneys can assess your work history, exposure details, and medical records to determine if you have a case for compensation from asbestos manufacturers, liable companies, or trust funds.

·        Gather Evidence: Building a strong legal case requires comprehensive evidence. Legal teams can help gather medical records, employment documentation, expert witness testimony, and historical data on asbestos use in your workplaces.

·        Navigate the Legal Process: Filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, and understanding complex legal regulations can be overwhelming. Asbestos attorneys handle these aspects, ensuring your rights are protected.

·        Maximize Compensation: Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages due to illness, and pain and suffering. Legal expertise can ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Even if a direct link between asbestos exposure and multiple myeloma remains under investigation, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial.  An asbestos attorney can explore all potential avenues for compensation, including those related to co-exposure to benzene or other workplace carcinogens alongside asbestos.

Multiple Myeloma and Asbestos: The Jury’s Still Out

While a definitive link between asbestos and multiple myeloma is still lacking, the potential for a contributing role cannot be entirely ruled out.  Further research is necessary to elucidate this association. 

Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should be aware of the established risks for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers. As one research study noted, the younger you were when you were first exposed to asbestos, the more likely you are to develop asbestos disease like mesothelioma, even if it was a small amount. Additionally, being mindful of potential second-hand exposure and seeking professional medical advice is crucial. Because many people with second-hand asbestos exposure don’t even know that they need to get checked, it can go undetected until it is too late.

For those who are diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers, including multiple myeloma, exploring financial aid options and consulting an asbestos attorney can provide valuable support in navigating the legal complexities and potentially securing compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.