The mining and use of asbestos started in the latter 1800’s. It has been used to make cement stronger, as roofing, insulation, fireproofing, and to soundproof. In shipbuilding they use it for insulation of hot water pipes, steam pipes, and boilers.
Asbestos cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, which are fibrous minerals. For a long time it was considered safe. But it is a carcinogen and being around it causes lung cancer and colorectal cancer amongst others. Close to ten thousand people in the United States die from its carcinogenic effect each year.
Mesothelioma is rare and is not usually cured. As many as thirty percent of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma had no clue that they had been exposed to the carcinogen. This illness attacks the mesothelium; this is the gossamer lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
Eighty percent of this form of lung cancer is non-small cell. The symptoms of this disease normally occur years beyond the time of exposure like mesothelioma and other types of asbestos cancer.
Asbestosis is a lung illness caused by exposure to asbestos. If the exposure to the asbestos is stopped the fibrosis discontinues. Though asbestosis has similar symptoms to other breathing disorders it develops differently on top of extended periods of time.
The symptoms of asbestosis are:
· Tolerance for keep fit or physical activity decreases
· Chest hurts
· Chest is tight
There are other factors to consider once calculating the risk of developing an asbestos cancer or asbestosis. If someone smokes this can build up his risk of getting an asbestos related illness.
· Wheezing
· Persistent cough
· Chest pain or it gets tight
· Hard to swallow
· Face and neck swells
· Anemic
Mesothelioma or other less serious conditions may caused these symptoms, therefore the importance of going to a doctor if you feel any of these symptoms, since only an expert like him can make a correct diagnosis.
Mesothelioma cancer rate has increased over the past 20 years and although this disease is not as common as other cancer pathologies, the number of new diagnosed cases in the United States has risen up to 2,000 per year.
According to experts the major risk factor for developing Mesothelioma lies in working with asbestos, so if you are a asbestos worker remember following the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations in order to reduce your risk.
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