Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause a variety of health problems for those who have been exposed to it. Generally, asbestos-related diseases can take up to 60 years to develop, which means workers who were exposed decades ago may just now be experiencing symptoms.
Asbestos companies can and should be held accountable for the harm they have caused everyday people who were never warned of the dangers of asbestos.
Identifying Asbestos-Related Diseases
Worldwide, about 125 million people work in environments that put them at risk for asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related disease statistics show that more than 90,000 people die each year when exposure to this dangerous material results in mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
The National Cancer Institute reports that millions of American workers have been exposed since the 1940s. Although the U.S. government has taken steps to protect workers, the asbestos companies have fought off a complete ban on their deadly products. So even today, workers continue to be exposed.
Because asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop, many people who were exposed years ago are just now being diagnosed with asbestos cancers and other illnesses. These diseases are generally caused by microscopic asbestos fibers that were inhaled or ingested in the past and got stuck in the body, irritating the tissue for many years before symptoms surfaced.
If you are experiencing any health problems that you suspect may be tied to past asbestos exposure, you need to discuss your work history or service history with your doctor. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you should also learn about your legal right to compensation.
Malignant Cancers
Asbestos is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma, and it has been shown to cause lung cancer. Studies have also connected asbestos exposure to ovarian and laryngeal cancer. Further studies are being done to determine whether asbestos exposure can lead to gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, throat cancers, kidney cancers, esophageal cancer, and gallbladder cancer. The following are the types of cancer that can be attributed to asbestos:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
Non-Cancerous Diseases
Exposure to asbestos can cause many diseases and serious health conditions beyond cancer. Symptoms of these asbestos-related diseases can range from mild to severe, and many people do not begin to experience problems until decades after their initial exposure. It is important to consult with your doctor at the first sign of any asbestos-related disease. The following are the types of diseases that asbestos can cause:
- Asbestosis
- Pleural Effusion
- Pleural Plaques
- Pleurisy
- Diffuse Pleural Thickening
- Rounded Atelactasis
- COPD
- Pleural Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
For more information on these cancers and diseases read the original article on the Mesothelioma Help website.
