WHAT IS ASBESTOS?

Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that consist of very fine microscopic fibers. The asbestos fibers are fire resistant and extremely durable. They were incorporated into many products such as; thermal insulation, fireproofing, gaskets, ceiling tiles, wallboard, siding, roofing, brakes, clutches, wire, and countless other products.

HOW DOES ASBESTOS AFFECT THE BODY?

Asbestos becomes a health hazard when the microscopic fibers are inhaled into the lungs. Because of there size, shape and durability these fibers remain in the body for many years and can cause different diseases.

WHAT DISEASES ARE CAUSED BY INHALING ASBESTOS?

Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause severe disabling and sometimes fatal diseases. Asbestos can cause malignant and non-malignant diseases. The most common asbestos related diseases are:

*MALIGNANT DISEASES

MESOTHELIOMA, LUNG CANCER AND OTHER CANCERS

Mesothelioma is a vary rare type of cancer. It can develop in the pleura which is the outer lining of the lung, it can develop in the peritoneal which is the lining of the abdomen, and it can even develop in the tunica vaginalis which is the lining of the testes.

Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer can also be caused by smoking. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is extremely dangerous as the two substances interact to greatly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Other cancers can also be caused by exposure to asbestos. These cancers include but are not limited to: Cancer of the larynx, cancer of the throat, and cancer of the colon.

NON-MALIGNANT DISEASES

Asbestos related pleural disease, also referred to as pleural thickening, pleural plaques, or pleural calcification is a scarring of the outer lining of the lungs. The scarring can get so severe that the lungs cannot expand to breathe in sufficient air therefore reducing breathing capacity.

Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue. There is no cure for asbestosis, and once the scarring begins it is irreversible. The scarring may interfere with oxygen transfer in the lungs causing reduced lung functions. Asbestosis can cause complications such as heart disease, enlarged heart and lung infections.