Asbestos is a natural material that has been long known for its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. If damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and become hazardous to your health. A number of industries in the U.S. use the toxic material in producing tiles, insulation, cement, and roofing, amongst other things.
In recent years the dangers of asbestos have been publicized more. However, despite the known risks associated with asbestos, the toxic substance is still present in many older buildings and is even still handled and serves as a risk in some professions. So what exactly are the dangers associated with asbestos fibers? Many health problems have been linked to the substance and there arer many types of cancer associated with asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure Can Result in Fatal Illness
If asbestos is inhaled or ingested it can result in a variety of fatal illnesses. Among the most well-known are:
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is typically caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. According to research, an estimated 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma arise each year in the country, with more cases affecting those in other parts of the world. Pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma are the three known types of mesothelioma. Those who are exposed, whether through first or secondhand exposure, may not know they are afflicted with the illness for up to twenty-years and there is no found cure for this type of cancer yet.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer typically linked to smoking, though exposure to asbestos can also cause this illness. Those who are exposed to asbestos and smoke some form of tobacco are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer and Kidney Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a cancer that affects the larynx, more commonly known as your voice box. Research has shown that asbestos exposure may put you at risk of both laryngeal cancer and kidney cancer.
At any age you can be susceptible to these types of cancer if you are exposed to asbestos fibers, which is why it is important to be aware of the risks associated with hazardous materials.
