Asbestos exposure can cause the tiny fibers of this widely-used building material to get inside the body, usually through inhalation. Such is extremely dangerous because these fibers cannot be broken down once inside the body. Health issues related to such surface only after many years, and to date there’s no known cure to some of them.
Inhalation of its fibers can increase the person’s risk of developing lung cancer. The fibers can get trapped in the lungs forever until such problem takes place. There are also some studies which also link inhalation of this material to cancer of the colon, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder and kidneys.
Another form of cancer may also develop which is called mesothelioma. This is something that happens to the mesothelium, a membrane which lines some of your body’s cavities. This includes the thoracic cavity where mesothelioma is commonly diagnosed because of inhalation. Because of where it’s located, this cancer form can be very difficult to treat surgically. The survival rate for mesothelioma compared to other forms of cancer is also low.
Inhaling the fiber also puts the person at risk for asbestosis. This is a progressive inflammatory condition of the lungs with currently no treatment available. Symptoms include shortness of breath and coughs that only worsen. Also, it can cause permanent damage to the lung structures as the fibers of this material are spear-shaped.
There are also some disorders that involve the pleura or the thin lining of tissue found on wall of your chest cavity. Pleural plaques may develop when the fibers stick to the diaphragm and membrane found in your thoracic cavity. Another condition is known as pleural effusion. In here fluid can accumulate in the space found between your lungs and chest.
Asbestos exposure may happen to those who like to renovate their homes in DIY fashion. If you suspect that your home uses asbestos, contact a professional. He or she will advise you on what you can do to properly remove or dispose the material.
Have a quick look at our site for details about the dangers of asbestos exposure, now. You can also find a full list of Mesothelioma signs and symptoms at http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/ today.