How Does Asbestos Damage Lung Cells?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous-like mineral. It can be separated into thin, durable threads and is naturally heat-resistant, so asbestos has been used in a wide variety of commercial products in a number of industries. Even though the use of asbestos is now highly regulated, people can still be exposed. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they enter the air or water, where they can be inhaled or ingested.
Asbestos in the Body
Once asbestos enters the body, the fibers lodge in lung or digestive tissue and cells. While some may be coughed up or pass through the digestive system, once lodged in tissues, asbestos is there for life. There is no way to remove it or mitigate the damage it can cause. In the lungs, asbestos fibers cause inflammation and scarring, reducing lung flexibility and capacity more and more over time.
Asbestos in the Lungs
The presence of asbestos fibers in the lungs can set off a series of responses leading to inflammation and cell and tissue damage. This damage can lead to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related cancers, and additional health issues. Although we don’t understand the exact mechanism through which asbestos causes disease, there are three main theories:
- Asbestos interacts directly with chromosomes in the cells, breaking or mutating strands of DNA. As mutated cells multiply, malignant tumors can form.
- Asbestos generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can interact with DNA and cellular proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and damage them, once again leading to damage on a cellular level multiplying over time.
- Asbestos causes other problems in cells that lead to inflammation and cellular damage.
While we may not know the exact mechanism through which asbestos causes cellular damage, we do know that this damage cumulates over time, leading to devastating and incurable health problems.If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO, or contact us here.
