Asbestos symptoms become very apparent in the life of Steve McQueen, who 25 years ago was found impossible to run 15 meters while shooting a film without using oxygen mask. McQueen was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and died a year later. In fact, most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma die within two years that the diagnosis!
McQueen have been exposed to asbestos at least three different ways.
McQueen's first exposure to a deadly substance occurred in his younger years in the construction trades. In those days of cheap and abundant mineral was used in all types of plaster, glue and sheetrock just to name a few. His second exposure occurred in the Marines, where he was assigned the task of taking the asbestos pipe insulation steam off the big ships. This activity no doubt it is exposed to copious amounts of friable asbestos. Finally, Steve McQueen's lifelong love of auto racing. helmets and suits for the drivers is loaded with asbestos. McQueen surrendered this deadly disease at the age of 50, after numerous attempts of treatment.
Rock stars, athletes and politicians have been victims of asbestos related diseases.
number of athletes have died from mesothelioma. Terry McCann was an Olympic champion wrestler who is contracted over exposure to asbestos while working at an oil refinery. Merlin Olsen was all pro football player and renowned sportscaster who contracted the disease after years of working with sheet rock in construction works. Congress Bruce Vento, and Jimmy Carter, Chief of Staff, Hamilton Jordan, and died from malignant mesothelioma. Bishop Ian Cundy and rock star Warren Zevon were victims too. Zevon was never able to directly identify his point of exposure, but it just shows how widespread the asbestos in our environment.
There were several victims who beat the odds.
Although it is true that most people die within two years from diagnosis is also true that there are exceptions. Stehen Gould, a politician, he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and lived 20 years. He died of an unrelated illness. It just goes to show you that you should never give up hope.
