What are the hazards of Asbestos exposure
Frequently Asked Asbestos Questions
People can come into contact with asbestos at in their homes, communities or at work. When asbestos-containing products are disturbed, tiny fibers are sent into the air. If these fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs. The body cannot get rid of these fibers, which can eventually cause inflammation, scarring, breathing difficulties and health problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Health and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have all concluded that asbestos is a human carcinogen. Research shows that asbestos exposure can increase a person's risk of developing meosthelioma and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a lining that covers the chest and abdominal cavities. Some research also indicates a link between asbestos exposure and other types of cancer, but this information is inconclusive. Asbestos can also increase a person's chance of developing:
- Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural effusions (fluid buildup between lungs and chest cavity)
- Pleural thickening
Certain research indicates that individuals with asbestos-induced pleural disease have a greater risk of developing lung cancer.
