Top Health Risks of Asbestos

If you constructed your home early in the 1980s, probably, you know what asbestos is. It is a natural fibrous rock that was once used in building and industrial materials. It was used for some hundred years and asbestos itself is not so dangerous. However, the practices emanating during the excavation of asbestos are harmful to our health. These particles are airborne and they pose a health hazard.

The health risks associated with asbestos are far less common today because more and more people are aware about it. Only the workplaces operating with minimum or no safety regulations continue to face the perils of asbestos.

Here are some health risks associated with asbestos. Read them if you are on a lookout for asbestos inspection in NYC.

Lung Cancer

Extensive exposure to asbestos leads to a high risk of developing lung cancer. Many experts attribute 4% of lung cancer cases to the asbestos exposure. The risk is particularly higher for people who are exposed to asbestos and are a chain smoker.

Unfortunately, a cancer like lung cancer takes time to develop symptoms, and meanwhile the individual knows about it, he already reaches the 4th stage of it. The stealth makes it even more challenging to treat it effectively.

Persistent cough is the most common cause of lung cancer and some other symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and more.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops from mesothelial cells in the lung, chest wall, and also abdominal lining. Mesothelioma can occasionally affect other body parts, such as your heart.

The disease is quite typical and it takes ages to develop after initial asbestos inhalation. Some other symptoms of this disease include difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, persistent cough, and so on.

Treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Nevertheless, not every patient can undergo the surgery due to the adverse health effects of the condition or old age.

Asbestosis

It is a fibrotic lung disease that develops after inhaling asbestos. The fibers travel through the lungs and lodge in the inner lining of your lungs, causing irritation. Over time, the foreign particles accumulate and scar your lungs, making them unable to inflate properly.

Asbestosis is a disease that takes anywhere from 10 to 40 years to develop and the symptoms are also non-specific. These symptoms can resemble any number of conditions. However, some serious health issues such as heart failure may follow once the symptoms start to show.

Today, asbestos removal becomes necessary for many buildings. The first step is asbestos inspection in NYC. Come to us.

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