Diseases Caused By Asbestos

Diseases caused by asbestos

It is estimated that from 2007 to 2016 accounted for 1321 deaths to mesothelioma.

According to medical research related deaths caused by asbestos diseases have increased in the last three decades. Thus for example the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC for short) has concluded that the number of people suffering from lung diseases associated with the inhalation of powder metals or minerals-such as silicosis, has increased in 70% since 1982.

The deaths from exposure to asbestos, however, have increased steadily, which undoubtedly is because the latency period of the disease is very long since the use of asbestos began in mid-1900.
Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung inflammation which occurs as a result of inhaling asbestos fibers over an extended period. The first symptom of asbestosis is the limitation in breathing accompanied by dyspnea. A medical examination may reveal whether fibrosis in lungs, which means that the asbestos fibers are deposited in the lung tissue.

The symptoms of this disease appear after 20 to 40 years from first exposure to asbestos. When we inhale asbestos fibers reach the alveoli which are the organs that serve to operate the mechanism by which oxygen reaches the blood. Once the fibers are deposited in the alveoli, asbestos produces an inflammatory reaction in the lungs. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) within the lung.

The Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally and can not perform gas exchange. People suffering asbestosis have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma and other lung cancers related to exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments to relieve the symptoms of the disease, such as oxygen therapy, aerosol inhalers and remove the pleural fluid of the chest cavity.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity and chest. In addition, the National Cancer Institute in the United States has determined that over 30% of all mesothelioma cases are of unknown origin, when the only known cause is exposure to asbestos.

Unlike asbestosis occurs that develops after prolonged periods exposure, mesothelioma cases can occur after only one month of exposure. Some cases of mesothelioma have occurred as a result of a single exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20-40 years and when symptoms manifest cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Although there are treatments that relieve symptoms, there is currently no cure. For a complete study please go to what is Mesothelioma.

Other cancers

Studies show that after a year or constant exposure to asbestos after five years of exposure to asbestos gradual bend the chances of getting lung cancer. Each of the four types of lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and small-cell carcinoma are associated with exposure to asbestos. People who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop lung cancer resulting from such exposure to asbestos.

These cancers have a latency period of 10 to 30 years from asbestos exposure. The fact that a person exposed to asbestos develop lung cancer depends not only on the accumulation of risk exposure, but the person has to develop it. Asbestos has also been associated with cancer of the larynx. Some studies suggest that exposure to asbestos increases the risk of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.

Have you been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos exposure?

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with any of the asbestos-related diseases contact Oria, Pajares & Associates, specialists experts will assist you in all steps to be taken, providing legal support you need.

Please read what is asbestos.

Hope you are now aware of the diseases caused by asbestos.