In the past, asbestos was lauded as a miraculous material due to its durability and resistance to fire. Gradually, it came to light that asbestos is a silent murderer. When asbestos fibers are exposed to a person for an extended period, the effects on their health can be disastrous. The legacy of asbestos is still present in many older structures and industries throughout the world even though its use has been severely restricted over the past few decades. This article will discuss six different ways in which being exposed to asbestos can have a negative impact on your health over a long period.
Mesothelioma
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Mesothelioma is a health concern related to asbestos exposure and is currently one of the most dangerous side effects of asbestos exposure. Symptoms frequently do not manifest themselves until decades after the first exposure. The treatment of mesothelioma is notoriously complex, and the survival rate is typically quite low once the disease has been discovered. Lawyers who specialize in mesothelioma in Pennsylvania play an important part in assisting victims of asbestos exposure in their pursuit of justice and financial compensation. If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you may want to think about consulting with prominent mesothelioma lawyers in PA to sue for damages.
Lung Cancer
Having been exposed to asbestos for an extended period is associated with an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer, as this connection has been well-established. When individuals breathe in asbestos fibers, these minute particles have the potential to become embedded in the lung tissue, which subsequently results in inflammation and damage to the cells over time. A particularly worrisome fact is the fact that those who smoke or have a history of smoking are at an even higher risk of acquiring lung cancer because of the combined effects of smoking and asbestos exposure.
Asbestosis
Over time, continuous exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of asbestosis, a chronic lung disease. The development of scar tissue, also known as fibrosis, in the lungs is one of the defining characteristics of this condition. This condition can make it increasingly challenging for persons who are affected to breathe. Certain symptoms, such as a persistent cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, are typical manifestations of asbestosis. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for asbestosis, and the condition has a substantial negative influence on the quality of life of a person.
Pleural Plaques
One complication of asbestos exposure is the development of enlarged areas of the lung or diaphragm lining, which are called pleural plaques. Even though pleural plaques do not in and of themselves cause cancer, they may be an indicator of asbestos exposure in the past. They have the potential to be uncomfortable and act as a reminder of the potential health dangers that relate to long-term exposure to asbestos.
Pleural Effusion
At the same time, asbestos exposure can lead to pleural effusion, it can also cause other health problems. When there is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural area around the lungs, this condition manifests itself. Because of this accumulation of fluid, it may become difficult to breathe and cause chest pain. Even though pleural effusion may frequently be treated, it is essential to address the underlying cause, which may be related to asbestos.
Probability Of Developing Additional Cancers
Asbestos exposure over a prolonged period has been linked to an increased chance of developing several different malignancies, including cancers of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum, in addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma. The precise methods by which asbestos contributes to these cancers are not completely understood; nonetheless, the link between the two has been well-established via the studies conducted by scientists.
Conclusion
Being exposed to asbestos poses a significant risk to one’s health and can have long-term repercussions. Even though the usage of asbestos has decreased over the past few years, the risk is still present for anyone who visits older buildings and materials that contain asbestos. Screening can assist in the early detection of any potential health problems, which in turn increases the likelihood of receiving successful treatment and a higher quality of life. In the end, the most important things you can do to protect yourself from the subtle consequences of asbestos exposure are to be aware of risks and to exercise caution.
