Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing:
- Lung cancer.
- Asbestosis, which causes permanent lung damage.
- Mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the chest and stomach lining.
- Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and throat (larynx or oropharynx).
- Scarring of the lung lining.
What illness is caused by asbestos?
- Asbestosis is a type of lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos dust and fibers. The disease causes fibrosis (scarring) of your lungs and pleura. Asbestosis can be managed, but not cured.
Why is asbestos so dangerous?
- Why is asbestos so dangerous? Clients often ask, “Why is asbestos so dangerous?” Asbestos is an indestructible fiber that is so minute, it is easily breathed into your lungs and becomes embedded there. That indestructible fiber is what ultimately causes serious asbestos diseases. We have represented countless families who have asbestos diseases.
Is asbestosis a common disease?
- Asbestosis is one of the most common asbestos-related diseases. Also called diffuse pulmonary fibrosis or pneumoconiosis, asbestosis is the leading cause of death for people exposed to asbestos fibers. Asbestosis is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease, but unlike asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma, it is not cancerous.
What are diseases stem from asbestos exposure?
- Asbestosis. Asbestosis is a common respiratory disease that is caused by asbestos exposure. ...
- Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the only cancer that stems directly from asbestos exposure. ...
- Lung Cancer. While mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos exposure,lung cancer can also occur. ...
Mesothelioma is the only type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. A 2021 research study discovered that 80% of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma have a history of direct or indirect asbestos exposure. Diagram shows mesothelioma tumors on the lung's lining.