Asbestos is a natural occurring mineral found in certain products.  It is primarily used to prevent corrosion and resist heat. It was also once used widely in insulation and was quite popular with manufacturers due to its tensile strength, resistance to heat, and resistance to some chemicals.


What are the dangers of being exposed to asbestos?

The main problem with asbestos is when you inhale its fibers. Construction workers in particular are quite prone to asbestos exposure. When these fibers are inhaled they may cause serious health problems concerning the lungs and other organs. Scar-like tissues have also been found in the lungs of those exposed which more often than not would result in loss of lung function and in worst case scenarios death. The big problem with asbestos exposure is that it may take years for symptoms to appear and when the disease is already obvious to the naked eye then it may already be too late.

Asbestos was also classified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a carcinogen. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. Some studies have shown that people who have been exposed to asbestos had a greater risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (the most common cancer connected with asbestos), and other cancers associated with the chest or abdominal region.

Factors that determine how asbestos exposure can affect you

  • How much asbestos was inhaled or exposed to the person can greatly affect an individual. The more fibers inhaled the greater the chance of lung damage.
  • Prolonged asbestos exposure may also cause a person to have a greater chance of catching an asbestos related disease. There are people who have been exposed to asbestos but have not contracted any sickness since the exposure was not on a regular basis.
  • Smoking also plays a crucial role when it comes to lung related diseases associated with asbestos exposure. Studies have shown that smoking while being exposed to asbestos greatly increases your chance of getting lung cancer.
  • There are many types of asbestos and each type has a slightly different shape, size, and chemical property. You might think that each of these has the same effect. But there are certain types of asbestos, like the amphibole asbestos form, that are more harmful than others.

What are the asbestos disease symptoms you should look out for?

If you think that you, a family member or a friend has been exposed to asbestos in the past then go and visit a doctor for a check up. In addition, if any of the symptoms listed below show up then it is of utmost importance that you check with your doctor immediately:

  • Coughing that doesn’t go away and gets worst
  • Cough has blood
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Chest pains
  • Tightness of the chest
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

Take note though that these symptoms may not show themselves after several years or even decades from the time that the asbestos exposure happened so it would be best not to wait for the symptoms and just go see your health care professional to be safe.