Slowly leads to lung cancer
We all know and understand that smoking leads to lung cancer, but there are also environmental factors to consider such as asbestos that can also contribute to the development of this fatal disease. People who find themselves in work environments with asbestos over long periods are at increased risk of developing complications which is why regulations are more stringent these days. Asbestos itself doesn’t cause lung cancer, it’s when the particles are released on a consistent basis in the air after they are disturbed through the natural degradation of any house that utilizes it. To gain insight, you can observe ISeekPlant find places that use asbestos and gain more information! Lung cancer is a very serious disease that is often only attributed to those with poor life habits. We observe here that this is far from the truth because there are environmental factors to consider with the highest severity level.
Risk getting Asbestosis
This is a common occurrence in places that are utilizing asbestos and a disease that is directly sourced to it being inhaled on a regular basis. If you have equipment in your home that contains asbestos then you’re at increased risk of developing this disease which includes a variety of symptoms. This version of the disease is actually non-cancerous, but it involves extensive scarring of the lungs which can hinder breathing. It’s important to reduce these risks as much as possible if you know that you’re in an environment with asbestos fibers. It’s hard to pinpoint the symptoms but you may have mild ones leading up to the disease that can serve as a warning signal to go get checked. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- The inability to take a full breath
- Excessive coughing
- Tightness in the chest
Much like lung cancer, it can take up to 10 years of exposure before these symptoms occur so it’s important to perceive if you’re working around the asbestos and get checked out immediately. Changing the environment you’re exposed to is the only way to prevent it from getting worse. If you have equipment that uses it then it’s recommended to stop using immediately if you want to lower your risk and this should help your body recover from what it has already been exposed to and prevent the development of the associated diseases.
Mesothelioma Infection
This is another different type of lung cancer that affects the outer layer of the lungs, abdomen, and potentially the heart. The most frightening aspect of this disease is it can take 20-50 years for symptoms to manifest. This is why it’s so critical that you wear protective masks if there are perceived asbestos contaminants in the area that would otherwise compromise your health. Even if you do wear the masks there’s a chance that you’ll still be breathing it in while not working the equipment. It’s definitely an elusive killer that needs to be held very seriously in your mind. Symptoms of this disease include:
- Pain and inflammation
- Wheezing or coughing
- Tightness in chest
- Blurred vision or pain in the lungs
Because these symptoms don’t occur until later on, it’s important to thoroughly address your job or home environment to see if you’re experiencing regular exposure to asbestos. There are even companies you can hire to effectively determine if the space you occupy is a potential hazard. From there, you can take the necessary measures to reduce this disease from progressing.
Laryngitis increased risk
Laryngitis is another complication that can arise from asbestos contact, and this is essentially the inflammation of the larynx, otherwise known as the vocal cords. Excessive smoking and alcoholism are also contributing factors to these diseases so this puts into perspective how dangerous asbestos can truly be. You can never touch a drink or smoke a cigarette your entire life and end up with the same complications if you’re exposed on a consistent basis to this common product. What happens is when you breathe it then it starts to create inflammation and eventually results in the formation of squamous cells that will transform into this form of cancer. Those who are handling materials and equipment in their homes with asbestos are likely to contract this disease which is why it’s important to read the labels and dispose of any such products immediately or you will suffer the same consequences as long-term smokers.
Higher instances of ovarian cancer
There are many contributing factors to women getting ovarian cancer, and asbestos is definitely one of these. If you work in a mining or manufacturing facility that utilizes asbestos then you’re at serious risk for developing the disease with detrimental results. It’s not the actual substance you need to worry about, it’s when it’s unconstrained and turns into the dust form that is a cause for concern. You should inquire about it to your manager if you work in that type of environment because this is your livelihood and it should be accounted for. Unfortunately, companies are careless and reckless with their workspace and tend to neglect the needs of their employees. They agree to work there so often times there is nothing that can be done, but the modern world is becoming more aware of this harmful substance and forcing more intensive regulations.