Fungi Could Remove Harmful Parts of Asbestos
A recently discovered fungus that is found in soil could potentially have the ability to remove the harmful parts of asbestos, naturally. Tests are being conducted by individuals from Italy and so far show promising results.
The naturally occurring fungus is known for loving iron-based silicates and other minerals. The iron based radicals in asbestos are what damage the human DNA when the fibers make it into the lungs. This fungi, however, binds the iron to the fibers and prevents it from damaging DNA. So far, this part of the test has been conducted only in petri dishes in a lab.
While binding the iron is very important for preventing DNA alterations that lead to cancer, the fibers themselves are still damaging. The fibers, when they break down, have very sharp edges and are capable of damaging cells on their own. This means that if the fiber is not changed, there is still the possibility of the fibers damaging the lungs via their very sharp edges. When the lungs are damaged, scar tissue is still able to develop.
This scar tissue, while not as harmful as the DNA mutations that lead to cancer, can still cause problems with the functioning of the lungs. Scar tissue does not behave in exactly the same way as regular lung tissue and so the functioning of the lungs, if there is enough damage, the lungs may not be able to function.
The decreased functioning of the lungs could require oxygen or other treatments. Overall, it is far less severe a problem than cancer.
Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact the mesothelioma attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-781-3955 to discuss your personal situation and to determine your legal options.
