Health conditions that can be caused by asbestos

Introduction

Asbestos can be traced in many building materials. Asbestos can remain harmless for as long as it is not disturbed or damaged. When asbestos is damaged, disturbed, or starts wear and tear, it will be released to the environment and it will also become airborne. The most common way through which asbestos can enter the body is through breathing. When you inhale asbestos, there is a likelihood that you will develop health issues and complications. Many diseases are associated with asbestos and some of them are the cause of many deaths worldwide. Asbestos is very dangerous when it’s friable. When asbestos can easily be crumbled by air, it can easily release its fibers to the environment. According to statistics, the following are health conditions that can be caused by asbestos being released to the environment

Asbestosis

This is the first and the most common type of condition that is normally caused by the release of asbestos in the air. When you inhale asbestos, it will be aggravated into your lung tissue. When lung tissues are aggravated, they will have a scar. When you have asbestosis, you will experience shortness in breath and you will also experience a dry cracking sound in your lungs while you are inhaling. When to disease is in its advanced stages, the disease might cause cardiac failure. According to medics, there is no effective treatment for asbestosis. The disease is among fatal diseases that claim many lives. It is because of this reason that we are always advised to consider asbestos testing in our residential and commercial buildings. Asbestos testing and survey can be very helpful in reducing the exposure of the condition to the toxic mineral.

Lung cancer

This is the second deadly condition that can be caused by asbestos exposure. Lung cancer is the largest cause of death for people who are exposed to asbestos. This affects many people who are directly linked to asbestos mining, manufacturing as well as milling. The most common signs of lung cancer include coughing, as well as a change in breathing. Other symptoms of lung cancer include shortness in breath, anemia, and hoarseness. Those who are exposed to asbestos are also exposed to other carcinogens such as cigarette smokers. Those who smoke are most likely to develop lung cancer.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is also another very serious condition that can be caused by asbestosis. This is simply a condition that occurs in the thin membrane lining of the lungs, the chest, the abdomen, and the heart as well. Almost all mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. This affects most people who work directly with asbestos. They can be working as miners or working in textile industries. When you live with people who work in asbestos or those who deal directly with asbestos manufacturing are likely to be exposed to the disease or the condition. The time that you spend in asbestos will also determine how it will affect your health. It is because of this that we advocate for asbestos survey London.