In addition, asbestos also causes cancer of the throat, stomach, esophagus, and bowel. Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is the same kind of cancer as that caused by smoking. It is hard to diagnose early, it spreads rapidly, and can rarely be cured. Mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavities, is an extremely rare kind of cancer and is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. This cancer is incurable and there is no treatment.
Gastrointestinal cancer is a general term for several different cancers of the digestive system.
It includes cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum. The triggering device for action under the revised Standard is the existence of thermal insulation. Asbestos removal is not required and, in fact, federal regulators say they would like to see the asbestos stay where it is as long as the insulating material is wrapped and covered. Any worker who may come across loose asbestos must be trained on how to avoid disturbing the material and in some cases be provided with protective equipment such as respirators. OSHA reaffirmed its position that chrysotile is as dangerous as other forms of asbestos.