Health Effects Caused By Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos can cause several different adverse health effects to those who are exposed to its fibers. Although the mining & use of asbestos has been banned in the United States due to the health problems it can cause in humans, the hazardous material is still found today in older homes throughout the country. When a person inhales microscopic asbestos fibers, they get stuck in the lungs and cannot be broken down or removed. These fibers irritate the lung tissue and can lead to many different health problems. In this article, we’ll talk about the different health effects that exposure to asbestos can cause!
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air, according to the American Lung Association. When a person has asbestosis, scar-like tissues form in the lungs and breathing becomes more difficult as oxygen and carbon dioxide are not able to pass in and out as easily. Asbestosis can be difficult to diagnose, but is usually done using information about a person’s medical history, exposure history, and a careful chest X-ray or CT scan from an experienced doctor.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a deadly & aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs, according to Mayo Clinic. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the internal organs, eventually causing mesothelioma tumors to develop. Mesothelioma can occur in the lungs, abdominal cavity, heart, or testicles. Symptoms of mesothelioma include severe chest pain and cough, fatigue, lumps under the skin, loss of appetite, fatigue, and more.
Cancer of the Lungs
Along with mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can lead to many other forms of lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 236,740 new cases of lung cancer in the United States in 2022, but only a small percentage of those cases are primarily linked to asbestos. Tobacco use accounts for about 80% of lung cancer deaths in the USA, but asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers. Some signs and symptoms of lung cancer caused by Asbestos exposure include severe cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Pleural Disorders
Prolonged asbestos exposure can also lead to the development of pleural plaques in the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and the chest. Pleural disorders affect the functionality of the lungs, but it does not necessarily lead to cancer. The symptoms are not as severe as other effects of asbestos exposure.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing!
If you believe your home may contain asbestos, it's crucial to test for it as soon as possible. At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation by calling us at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
