Asbestos is a known carcinogen and an extremely hazardous toxicant. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was mined and used extensively prior to the 1970's for many different applications. The nature of asbestos as a fibrous material contributes greatly to its toxic potential. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can remain airborne for days and are extremely small which allows them to be inhaled to the deepest parts of the lungs. The health effects of asbestos typically develop years after exposure and may go unnoticed for decades.
Asbestos is associated with throat and lung cancer and with mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelium. It is also associated with asbestosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of the lungs following exposure to asbestos. This is caused by the building up of asbestos fibers in the lungs as well as the scar tissue that develops from the buildup of the fibers. Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing are the most common symptoms. Those diagnosed with asbestosis are most likely to develop lung cancer or mesothelioma. In some instances asbestosis may lead to respiratory failure and death.
Other diagnoses one may receive from asbestos exposure include pleural disorders (collagen or calcium buildup, thickening, fluid buildup, and in some rare circumstances cancer), increased frequency of laryngitis, and reduction in immune response. There is some evidence to suggest that those who develop pleural abnormalities are more likely to develop lung cancer. Some of the symptoms that one may experience are shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, increased coughing, excess fluid or blood while coughing, hoarseness, and weight loss. Short term inhalation of fibers may lead to irritation of the lungs while general exposure might lead to skin irritation.
Asbestos is associated with throat and lung cancer and with mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelium. It is also associated with asbestosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of the lungs following exposure to asbestos. This is caused by the building up of asbestos fibers in the lungs as well as the scar tissue that develops from the buildup of the fibers. Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing are the most common symptoms. Those diagnosed with asbestosis are most likely to develop lung cancer or mesothelioma. In some instances asbestosis may lead to respiratory failure and death.
Other diagnoses one may receive from asbestos exposure include pleural disorders (collagen or calcium buildup, thickening, fluid buildup, and in some rare circumstances cancer), increased frequency of laryngitis, and reduction in immune response. There is some evidence to suggest that those who develop pleural abnormalities are more likely to develop lung cancer. Some of the symptoms that one may experience are shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, increased coughing, excess fluid or blood while coughing, hoarseness, and weight loss. Short term inhalation of fibers may lead to irritation of the lungs while general exposure might lead to skin irritation.
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