Understanding How Asbestos Can Affect Your Health

Asbestos is a very hazardous material that should be avoided at all costs. The good news about asbestos is that not everyone who comes into contact with it may acquire health complications. However, there are several factors to keep in mind that increase a person’s likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease.

These factors include how much asbestos is in the air, how frequently and how long a person was exposed when the exposure occurred, whether they have any lung or breathing conditions, and whether they smoke or not.

Types of Diseases Related to Asbestos

As a result of breathing asbestos, small asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lungs and irritate the lung tissues. Breathing in asbestos has been linked to the development of the following non-cancerous disorders, according to scientific evidence:

  • Pleural Disease: This is a non-cancerous lung condition affecting the membrane surrounding the lungs and chest cavity changes; this is known as pleura. In these cases, fluid may build up around the lungs, or the membrane may thicken overall or in isolated spots. Some people with pleural disease may have less efficient lung function, although not everyone will have breathing problems.
  • Asbestosis: This happens when breathing asbestos fibres causes scarring in the lungs. As oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot easily move in and out of damaged lungs, breathing often becomes difficult. This illness commonly develops in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time, but symptoms may not present for years. To reduce the risk, it is vital that you call for asbestos removal quotes in Perth if you suspect that you have it in your home or office.

Cancers Linked to Asbestos

Researchers have discovered that asbestos is also linked to a few different types of cancers. They have found over the years that exposure to asbestos increases a person’s risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos exposure can lead to laryngeal and ovarian cancers. According to recent research, exposure has also been linked to cancers of the throat, stomach, and colorectum.

  • Mesothelioma: This is a very rare cancer that can affect the pleura, lungs, and chest cavity. It can also attack the abdominal cavity lining, called the peritoneum. Lastly, this type of cancer can attack the membranes of any surrounding organs.
  • Lung Cancer: This is a malignant growth that invades and clogs the airways of the lungs. When tobacco use is paired with asbestos exposure, the risk of lung cancer skyrockets.

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