In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 107,000 people die every year from an asbestos-related disease.
But what makes someone sick from asbestos may surprise you. While some people come into direct contact with asbestos and get sick right away, sometimes it can take years for the diseases associated with asbestos to show up.
The key question for you is whether you’re at risk for developing one of the different types of asbestos diseases. Keep reading to learn what you need to know.
Pleural Mesothelioma
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Asbestos is a mineral fiber used in many different industries for its strength and heat resistance. It is found in many different products, such as insulation, brakes, and even some types of flooring.
When these products are disturbed, it can lead to asbestos exposure. Over time, these fibers can accumulate in the lungs and cause different diseases, including pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. This disease is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, and it can take many years to develop. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen.
This type of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the tissue of the abdomen. The signs of asbestos exposure may take time for this disease to be obvious.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia. Treatment options for this disease are limited but may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
To prevent this diseases, asbestos awareness training should be available.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious and incurable lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. The human body is not able to break down or expel asbestos fibers, which lodge themselves in the lungs and other tissue, causing inflammation and scarring.
This scarring can lead to impaired lung function and, in some cases, death. Asbestosis is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time.
There is no cure for asbestosis, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the most common type of asbestos-related cancer. It is important to be aware of the different types of asbestos diseases and the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts in the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs. This tissue is called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is rare, and most cases are linked to asbestos exposure.
There are different types of asbestos diseases, and each one has different symptoms and treatment options. It is important to talk to your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to asbestos so that you can get the best treatment possible.
The Dangers of Asbestos Diseases
There are different types of asbestos diseases that are caused by exposure to asbestos. These diseases include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of these diseases. Early detection is key to treatment and survival. The dangers of asbestos diseases should not be downplayed.
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