Asbestos Medical repercussions are still increasing. Since it can take 40 years for Mesothelioma to be diagnosed, it is estimated that by the middle of the 21st century, 180,000 will have died from the affects of asbestos. The cases of Mesothelioma are not only keeping medical personnel busy but also attorneys. This probably will continue since Congress has refused to pass the Asbestos Bill that was passed in the House in 2007. People are dying needlessly despite the warnings and advice given by medical doctors and researchers. The medical community has known for some time that asbestos affects the lining of the lungs which can lead to Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. It can also affect the lining of the abdomen and the heart. The damage that the disease can do is heartbreaking and more and more people are diagnosed every day. Doctors know it; lawyers know it; the general public knows it and yet Congress does nothing but stall the Asbestos Act which could truly make a difference. There have been some recent breakthroughs and medical experts are hoping they are on the brink of finding something that can tame the vicious Mesothelioma. As it is right now, the diagnosis is very grim.