What Diseases Can You Get From Asbestos?

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). It is durable, fire-resistant, and has been used in both commercial and industrial applications since the 20th century. Exposure to asbestos is hazardous to your health and causes a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Mesothelioma may develop in the chest around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma), in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Several other conditions can occur from exposure as well, such as asbestosis.

The Six Types of Asbestos

There are six types of asbestos. Serpentine and amphibole are the two most common. Chrysotile, the only serpentine (twisted) form of the mineral, accounted for nearly 90 percent of commercial use across the globe. Also referred to as white asbestos, chrysotile’s defining properties consist of its malleability and long, winding fibers.

The remaining five minerals fall under the amphibole classification — actinolite, amosite (brown asbestos), anthophyllite, crocidolite (blue asbestos), and tremolite. Unlike the curly structure found in serpentine asbestos, amphiboles have short, straight, stiff fibers.

While each form of the fiber has unique properties and structures, all types are hazardous to humans and are proven to cause cancer.

How Does Asbestos Cause Cancers Like Mesothelioma?

Asbestos doesn’t pose much of a health risk when undisturbed. It’s only when fibers are released into the air and ingested or inhaled that they pose a health risk. That’s when microscopic fibers can latch onto the mesothelium, causing irritation and inflammation, and leading to the formation of scar tissue. Over time the scar tissue can mutate and form malignant mesothelial cells that form mesothelioma.

The adverse health effects of inhaled or ingested fibers can take anywhere from several years to decades to appear. Due to the long latency period (time between initial exposure and the development of the disease), and the slow onset of symptoms, mesothelioma is often overlooked until it reaches advanced stages.

Malignant Asbestos-Related Cancers

Mesothelioma is the most common cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. However, asbestos and cancer are closely linked in other areas of the body, as well. The following malignant tumors are connected to the carcinogenic mineral.

Non-Malignant Asbestos-Related Conditions

Besides mesothelioma, the following asbestos-related conditions are more common. Non-malignant diseases can develop either after years of cumulative exposure or after just one incident.

• Asbestosis

Inhaling asbestos fibers over a long period may create scarring in the lungs. As lung function diminishes, patients, living with asbestosis experience difficulty breathing. Researchers believe smoking exacerbates this condition.

• Atelectasis

This occurs when tiny air sacs (alveoli) located in the lung deflate or become filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis may lead to lung collapse. This condition is often the result of other respiratory ailments, such as lung tumors, but commonly happens after surgery as well.

• COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that obstructs airflow in the lungs, subsequently weakening them. Long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter has been known to cause COPD, and it’s also a symptom of excessive smoking. People exposed to asbestos for an extended period are at a higher risk of developing COPD, and in some cases, are more likely to develop other conditions.

• Pleural Plaques

An accumulation of hyalinized (degenerated tissues and cells that have become clear, structureless and homogeneous) collagen fibers creates a condition called pleural plaques. Sometimes this will cause calcified build-ups around the lungs, making breathing difficult and painful. This condition usually affects the parietal pleura, adjacent to ribs and diaphragm, and can stimulate lung disease.

• Pericardial Effusion (or Excess Pericardial Fluid Accumulation)

Pericardial effusion develops when fluid builds up in the pericardium, or the sac surrounding the heart. Usually, there’s already a thin layer of liquid in this space, but if the pericardium becomes injured or diseased, subsequent inflammation can lead to excess fluid.

• Peritoneal Effusion (or Excess Peritoneal Fluid Accumulation)

Similar to pericardial effusion, peritoneal effusion (also known as ascites) occurs when there’s excess fluid in the abdomen. This condition is a symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma.

• Pleural Effusion (or Excess Pleural Fluid Accumulation)

Pleural effusion occurs when there’s excess fluid between the pleural layers outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs, aid in lubrication, and facilitate breathing.

• Pleural Thickening

After exposure to infection, inflammation, trauma, tumor, radiation, or asbestos, a person is more prone to pleural thickening, or abrasions in the pleural lining. Thickening can cause moderate to severe breathing issues.

• Pleuritis

Otherwise known as pleurisy, this condition affects the pleura. There are several causes of pleurisy, including asbestos exposure. When the lining surrounding the chest cavity and lungs becomes inflamed, patients may experience a severe cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and even fever.

Where Does Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Companies used asbestos in a wide variety of products and applications, even after it was classified as a carcinogen. It’s durable and fire-resistant nature made it highly desirable for insulation, flooring, piping, automobile clutches and brakes, paints, adhesives, fireproof clothing and blankets, household appliances, and even talcum powder, which is used in some makeup and baby powders. It’s still found in older homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings.

Despite its many beneficial properties, asbestos is lethal when disturbed. Humans have been exposed to asbestos environmentally, occupationally, and even accidentally, often resulting in some form of cancer or other condition.

If you’re diagnosed with asbestos conditions and it’s a result of asbestos exposure on the job, you have a right to compensation.