Asbestos Exposure
Heavy exposure to any type of asbestos can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. This mineral was commercially used in a wide range of products due to its high durability to heat and corrosion. Asbestos can be found in building materials, adhesives, ceiling tiles, and vehicle brakes. Thousands of schools and public buildings contain asbestos. Breathing or swallowing asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs.
Who Is at Risk for Exposure to Asbestos?
Asbestos was heavily used in the aerospace industry, the construction industry, and the marine industry. Thousands of chemical plant workers, industrial engineers, sailors, and veterans have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are common in electricians, molders, construction workers, shipyard workers, and insulators.
People who develop asbestos-related diseases are usually those who were exposed to high concentrations of this mineral on a regular basis. Occupational exposure to asbestos is the main cause of lung cancer, asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma. These diseases may also occur in the family members of those who worked with asbestos containing products. Secondhand asbestos exposure is a direct cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
This naturally-occurring mineral was very popular in the early part of the 20th century. Many of those who served the Navy have been diagnosed with asbestos cancer. This material can be found in virtually every ship, plane, and tank built before the 1970s. Some Navy ships still contain asbestos.
The Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The way in which asbestos exposure affects you depends on several factors, including the source, dose, and duration of the exposure. People who smoke and those with pre-existing lung diseases face a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. Studies indicate that some forms of asbestos are more harmful than others because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time.
Most asbestos-related diseases have non-specific symptoms that show up decades after the initial exposure. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos may experience difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, anemia, fever, fatigue, extreme weakness, and severe chest pain. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are deadly diseases that cannot be cured. If the cancer is detected in early stages, your doctor will be able to remove the tumor through surgery.
Asbestos exposure may also cause asbestosis, a breathing disorder that has killed over 9,000 Americans from 1968 to 2005. This disease is caused by the accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs. Asbestos is also an important cause of lung cancer. When inhaled, asbestos fibers cause DMA damage and kill healthy cells.
Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos without being aware of the risks involved. If you or someone you know has worked with asbestos-containing products, contact a doctor immediately. All you need to do is complete the form on this page to learn about the most common asbestos-related diseases.