Why Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. In this blog, we'll break down why asbestos is so dangerous and how it leads to the development of this life-threatening disease. If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos in your Massachusetts home or building, please contact DCM Environmental Testing Co. today to get a free estimate on an asbestos testing service!
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a class of naturally formed minerals that are fire and heat-resistant. These minerals were widely used for manufacturing purposes throughout the 20th century. Unfortunately, while asbestos has useful properties, its microscopic fibers are dangerous to humans when they enter the body.
How Does Asbestos Enter The Body?
While asbestos has useful properties in certain industries, it should never come into direct contact with humans. Workers in industries like manufacturing are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma due to prolonged exposure. If you live in a home that contains asbestos, you may also be at risk for mesothelioma. Asbestos consists of microscopic fibers that are invisible to the naked eye, making it easy for them to enter the body, particularly through inhalation. Asbestos typically becomes airborne when materials containing it are disturbed or damaged. When these materials are broken up, the fibers begin to float into the air, and if inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs or other internal organs. Over time, these fibers can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a serious and often fatal disease.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Mesothelioma?
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they stay lodged in your body and can remain there, causing cancer to form in the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Asbestos fibers cause inflammation, scarring, and cellular damage. This prolonged irritation and damage increase the risk of cell mutation, leading to the formation of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma can develop years after you've been exposed to asbestos.
Types of Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma typically affects different parts of the body:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: The most common form affecting the lung lining.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Develops in the abdominal lining.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: A rare type that forms in the heart’s lining.
Contact DCM Environmental For Asbestos Testing Services in Massachusetts!
If you believe your home contains asbestos, it's crucial for the health and safety of your family to test for it as soon as possible! At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing services for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to get a free asbestos testing estimate by calling us at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
