How Does Asbestos Affect the Lungs?
Long term exposure to asbestos can cause three serious health problems; asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Everyone who has ever breathed in asbestos is not necessarily going to get one of these diseases. No one knows for sure if there is a safe level of exposure, but the risk increases as the exposure level increases.
Asbestosis
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is a scarring of the lungs. It's a slowly developing problem that may not show up for years. A person will have more and more trouble breathing because of scar tissue buildup. Damage is permanent and related to the total exposure to asbestos. Anyone who works around asbestos for years and doesn't take precautions can develop asbestosis. |
Lung Cancer
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is responsible for the most asbestos related deaths. Your risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos and even more if you smoke. |
Mesothelioma
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is a rare and fatal type of cancer. It attacks the linings of the chest or abdominal cavity. Low exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. |
Other Cancers
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may sometimes be related to asbestos exposure, including cancer of the larynx, stomach, colon and esophagus. This is because the asbestos fibers may get into your gastrointestinal tract if you swallow mucus that contains asbestos from your lungs or if you swallow secretions that contain asbestos from your nose or mouth. |
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