These fibers may remain airborne for long periods of time before settling in dust. People working with or around asbestos miners, asbestos abatement workers, custodial and maintenance workers, and insulation workers face greater risk of exposure. If proper safety precautions—masks and coverings—are not used, workers may carry asbestos fibers to their homes and families. Asbestos can cause cancer.
Inhaling asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma , a deadly cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lungs and other organs. Smoking cigarettes, in addition to inhaling asbestos, increases your chances of developing lung cancer. When you inhale asbestos, the tiny fibers enter your air passages.
Your body's natural defenses remove most of these particles. The majority will be carried away or coughed up in a layer of mucus that protects your lungs. However, some fibers may bypass those defenses and lodge deep within your lungs. Those fibers can remain in place for a very long time and may never be removed. Most of the harmful impacts of asbestos will not be seen immediately. Download PDF:. What is asbestos? Which health problems are caused by asbestos? It could increase your risk of getting a variety of diseases such as: Asbestosis scarring of the lungs Lung cancer Mesothelioma a rare form of cancer of the lining of the body cavity Many factors influence how exposure to asbestos will affect your health.
Risk factors include: Your health history, such as if you smoke or have pre-existing lung diseases How much asbestos was in the air How long your exposure lasted How often you were exposed The type, size and shape of asbestos fibers you were exposed to Smokers and people with pre-existing lung diseases have a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, if exposed.
Who is at risk of asbestos exposure? You are only at risk of asbestos exposure if you breathe in fibers released in the air. How can I make my home safe? WorkSafeBC — Asbestos awareness for homeowners: www. Is it an emergency? If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at Hundreds of thousands of patients and families have sought compensation for illnesses caused by the negligence of the asbestos industry.
Tell your doctor about your history of asbestos exposure and ask them to screen you for related diseases. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is extremely important to get a second opinion from a mesothelioma doctor.
You are eligible for compensation if you were exposed to asbestos and develop mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis. Thank you for your feedback. Would you like to speak with a Patient Advocate? However, as required by the new California Consumer Privacy Act CCPA , you may record your preference to view or remove your personal information by completing the form below. The information on this website is proprietary and protected.
It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any unauthorized or illegal use, copying or dissemination will be prosecuted. Please read our privacy policy and disclaimer for more information about our website. This website and its content may be deemed attorney advertising. Prior results do not predict a similar outcome. For more information, visit our sponsors page. Your web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft.
Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility. If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at Toll Free Stages Stage 4 Symptoms Causes Diagnosis. Order Yours Now. Find a Doctor Dr. David Sugarbaker Dr. Paul Sugarbaker Dr. Get Help Now. Asbestos Cancer Lung Cancer. Read More. What Is Asbestos? Types of Asbestos The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of legally recognizes six types of asbestos that fall into two categories: Amphibole and serpentine.
Crocidolite Amosite Anthophyllite Tremolite Actinolite. This sample from Canada shows the curly structure of chrysotile asbestos. Where Does Asbestos Come From? Asbestos-Related Diseases Scientific studies show exposure to asbestos is linked to several diseases, including cancers.
Find Specialized Treatment Asbestos-related diseases require specialized treatment from experienced doctors. Connect with a Top Doctor. Asbestos Exposure Risks No amount of asbestos exposure is safe, but asbestos generally has the worst effects when a person is exposed to an intense concentration of it, or they are exposed on a regular basis over a long period of time.
Fast Fact Occupational asbestos exposure is the No. Learn about the latest mesothelioma treatments, how to find top doctors and clinical trial eligibility in your free guide.
Get Your Free Treatment Guide. Asbestos Products When Americans are exposed to asbestos today, it is usually through renovation or demolition work on an old building that still contains legacy asbestos products. Discontinued asbestos products Vinyl asbestos tiles Asbestos cement Asbestos roofing felt Asbestos adhesives, sealants and coatings Asbestos reinforced plastics.
Learn More About Asbestos Products. Pittsburgh Corning Armstrong World Industries. Learn More About Asbestos Companies. Asbestos fibers get into the air when asbestos materials are damaged, disturbed or removed unsafely. When asbestos is crushed, it does not make ordinary dust. Asbestos breaks into tiny fibers that are too small to see, feel or taste.
Asbestos fibers can be measured when they are in the air. A cubic centimeter is about the size of a sugar cube. The air is checked for asbestos fibers by taking samples of the air using air sampling methods.
The Minnesota Department of Health has established a "clean air" level of 0. When asbestos is released into the air, it enters the surrounding environment. You can be exposed to asbestos if you enter these environments. If exposed to asbestos, many factors contribute to whether harmful health effects will occur.
These factors include:. Laboratory studies and studies of asbestos workers show us that asbestos can make you sick.
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