Building material that contains asbestos poses serious and even deadly health risks. Microscopic fibers are released into the air when materials that contain asbestos are damaged or significantly. The inhalation of these fibers is what causes major respiratory problems because they can get trapped in the lungs. The effects of asbestos inhalation are usually not experienced immediately but continued exposure to the fibers is what promotes the development of health issues.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that directly affects the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is the most common disease that is associated with asbestos and for good reason. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at some point but the problem is that most signs don’t develop until several years after exposure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic coughing, and a buildup of fluids in the lung. Due to the fact that many of the symptoms can be associated with other conditions, diagnosis of mesothelioma is often too late and the results are fatal.
Asbestosis is another condition that is directly to prolonged asbestos exposure and it directly affects the lungs. Inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to lung scarring which can severely compromise the respiratory system. It usually affects people who are handle asbestos directly in production or removal. The first signs of asbestosis do not appear until many years after exposure and the initial symptom is a shortness of breath. Medications and oxygen therapy are used to relive the symptoms of asbestosis but currently there is no treatment. Advances asbestosis may lead to complete respiratory failure which can be fatal.
Lung cancer is the most common kind of cancer and is often associated with smoking but asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Like many other asbestos related medical issues, the development of lung cancer from asbestos may take years to manifest after exposure.
If you live in Maryland, Delaware, or Northern Virginia and suspect that you have asbestos containing materials in your home, contact us. We will perform thorough inspection and testing to determine if you need asbestos removal. Do not put your and your family’s health at risk with asbestos.