It’s hard to believe that asbestos was once hailed as the modern solution to so many industrial challenges. The benefits were compelling and as a naturally occurring mineral, the resource was plentiful both in the U.S. and abroad. For example, its fire-resistant capabilities led to prolific use in various forms of insulation and automotive applications.
As the population ages, incidents of disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos prior to the 1980s are diminishing. However, the presence of asbestos in older buildings – residential, commercial, academic, and institutional – still makes the headlines today. This is likely because the diseases associated with asbestos have proven to be serious and life-threatening.
People (usually those who were employed in the mining, processing, or manufacturing of related products) who have inhaled asbestos fibers often develop serious and deadly respiratory diseases, such as cancers, decades after exposure. There have also been cases of illness caused by secondary exposure to asbestos. The two most common forms of cancer associated with exposure to asbestos are mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Mesothelioma
As a known human carcinogen, there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes mesothelioma, as well as cancers of the lung, pharynx, and ovaries. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the thin membranes that lines the chest and abdomen, and it is only associated with asbestos exposure. There are about 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year and it is estimated that approximately 20 million people are at risk for developing this rare cancer.
The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 12-24 months, but the prognosis may improve with treatment. Further, since early detection greatly improves the prognosis, familiarity with the symptoms is important. These symptoms include (but are not limited to) chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid buildup, fever and night sweats, and weight loss.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer claims the most lives of all asbestos-related diseases and it is responsible for 37.5% of all occupational lung cancer cases. While mesothelioma affects the membranes lining the lung, lung cancer develops inside the lungs. Microscopic fibers that have lodged inside the lungs cause the lung cells to turn cancerous over time. The risk of lung cancer is much higher for asbestos-exposed workers who also are smokers because smoking impairs the natural ability of the lungs to remove the tiny foreign fibers. Tobacco smoking is responsible for about 80% of deaths from lung cancer in the United States, and exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers.
The average life expectancy after a lung cancer diagnosis varies according to the type and subtype of the disease, the overall health of the patient, and how far the cancer has progressed at the time of diagnosis. Generally speaking, only about 18% of patients survive more than five years after diagnosis and more than half of lung cancer patients die within one year of diagnosis
Other Diseases
There are two more serious diseases linked to prolonged asbestos exposure. Asbestosis is a condition marked by extreme scarring of the lungs which causes shortness of breath. This is a serious condition, and it is potentially fatal. Pleural thickening occurs when the lining of the lungs thickens and swells, making it uncomfortable and difficult to breathe. Understanding the health hazards associated with asbestos explains why it remains a concern today, decades after its use was severely limited.
Remember, there are no safe levels of asbestos exposure. Although prolonged exposure to high levels of airborne fibers represents the highest risk, any amount of exposure can be a problem. If you have any concerns about the presence of asbestos in your home or office, contact Paragon Environmental. Our certified technicians are experienced in handling asbestos, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your concerns are addressed thoroughly, professionally, and in full compliance with governmental agencies.
