The Latest Science around Asbestos and Health:
By now, everyone has heard about the dangers of asbestos. But what does the latest science say about the health risks from asbestos exposure? In this article, we’ll walk you through what asbestos is, how it can cause chronic health conditions and the major risk factors for asbestos-related conditions.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of flexible, heat-resistant fibers. Because of its heat-resistant properties, manufacturers used asbestos for decades in a wide range of construction materials and things like brake pads and fire-retardant clothing. Unfortunately, when materials containing asbestos break down, whether through demolition or fire, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. People can then inhale or ingest asbestos fibers.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is a known carcinogen. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos can become permanently embedded in the body, causing a wide range of cancers and chronic health conditions. The four most common asbestos-related diseases include:
- Mesothelioma:
- Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen caused by asbestos exposure. It can be decades before asbestos exposure leads to a mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Asbestosis:
- Asbestosis is not cancer, but it is a chronic health condition that causes scarring in your lungs, reducing your body’s lung capacity and causing irreversible damage.
- Pleural Thickening:
- Asbestos exposure can also cause the lining of your lungs to scar, becoming thicker and less flexible. As a result, your lungs can’t expand properly, leading to breathlessness and reduced lung capacity.
- Lung Cancer:
- While lung cancer isn’t always caused by asbestos, asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer. If you’re a smoker and were exposed to asbestos in the past, your chances of getting lung cancer or mesothelioma increase.
Risk Factors for Asbestos-Related Cancers
Asbestos exposure, no matter how small, can cause asbestos-related cancers and other health conditions. However, those who worked in certain industries, or had a family member exposed to asbestos, face higher risk factors for asbestos. Some of the workers most at risk include:
- Workers in asbestos mines or mills,
- Insulation workers,
- Construction or demolition workers,
- Renovators,
- Shipyard workers,
- Cement plant workers,
- Electricians,
- Workers in the auto industry,
- Plumbing and heating workers, and
- Workers in buildings during renovations where asbestos was present.
Men are more likely to face asbestos-related medical conditions because they are more likely to work in industries facing asbestos exposure. Smokers who face asbestos exposure are also at increased risk.If you or a loved one are facing cancer or another asbestos-related chronic condition, you don’t have to go through this alone. Give the Madeksho Law Firm a call at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free, and you won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
