Lucy Payton 
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials because of its heat resistance and insulation properties. When these materials are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Inhaling these fibers can be very dangerous, causing serious health problems down the line.
Construction workers, firefighters, and shipyard workers have a higher chance of exposure due to their jobs. Also, people who live in homes built before the 1980s, when asbestos use was banned, may also be at risk.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing health problems, you’re not alone. The experienced asbestos attorneys at Vogelzang Law, P.C. and other experienced firms can help. They understand the complexities of asbestos poisoning and can fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Here are some of the most common dangers of asbestos exposure:
Asbestosis
Your lungs are the organs responsible for bringing in life-giving oxygen. Asbestosis causes them to become scarred and thickened. When inhaled, asbestos fibers irritate and inflame the lung tissue.
Over time, the body tries to heal by producing scar tissue, but this backfires. The scar tissue will become stiff and inflexible, making it harder for the lungs to expand and contract properly.
Asbestosis often takes decades to show symptoms, typically 10 to 30 years after initial exposure. The most common signs include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
- A persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for asbestosis. Medical personnel typically use chest X-rays, high-resolution CT scans, and pulmonary function tests to detect them early.
Once detected, your doctor will begin management procedures, which include medications like bronchodilators to open airways, oxygen therapy in severe cases, and pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen breathing muscles.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a much rarer but far more aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Unlike asbestosis, which affects the lung tissue itself, mesothelioma attacks the mesothelium, which is a thin lining surrounding the lungs and other organs in the chest and abdomen.
The asbestos fibers irritate this lining, thereby triggering uncontrolled cell growth that forms tumors.
Similar to asbestosis, mesothelioma can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, a cough (sometimes bloody), and fatigue. Fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion) and weight loss are also common in mesothelioma.
Diagnosing mesothelioma involves a combination of imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans), biopsies to analyze tissue samples, and fluid analysis from around the lungs.
Again, there’s no cure, but treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can help manage the disease and extend the life expectancy of the victim.
Lung Cancer
If you ever breathed in asbestos dust, you might be at a higher risk for lung cancer, especially if you smoke. Asbestos fibers can damage your lungs, making them more vulnerable to the harm caused by smoking.
The signs of lung cancer caused by asbestos can be similar to those of other lung cancers. You might have a cough that won’t go away, sometimes with blood in it. You might feel short of breath or have chest pain. You might also lose weight without trying. The sooner you get checked by a doctor, the better chance you have of getting the right treatment.
When detected, you can manage the condition with treatments like surgery, medications, and radiation.
Wrapping Up
Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can become airborne when disturbed. If inhaled, these fibers can lodge themselves deep in the lungs, leading to serious health problems down the line.
The bad news is that there’s no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Even a single instance of heavy exposure can increase your risk of health problems later in life. However, the bigger threat comes from repeated exposure, especially over long periods of time.
It could be months or even years before the effects manifest fully. There is currently no cure for the dangers of asbestos exposure. However, if detected early, they can be easily managed.
Also, you would need legal help to seek compensation from the parties that contributed to your condition. The legal process can be daunting, but with competent legal representation, you will eventually get compensation that can cover the damage you’ve suffered.
