What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural fibrous silicate mineral (magnesium) commonly used in construction materials and other products because of its high heat resistance, strength and durability. Asbestos is processed from rock formations and the natural silicate minerals extracted are separated into very thin fibers that are used commercially. Asbestos was commonly used in many industries from the late 1800’s, particularly in those industries related to building and construction where it was used for example in strengthening cement, insulation materials, roofing, and fireproofing.

What are the risks of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos has been identified as a dangerous carcinogen and long term exposure to this mineral and its fibers, particular those inhaled into the lung region can cause several serious diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

How does asbestos become a risk to your health?
Asbestos exposure occurs when the asbestos (in the product) becomes damaged causing tiny microscopic and invisible fibers to be released into the air. When these fibers are inhaled they can become lodged in the body (mainly in the lung area) and can over a long period of time, in some cases decades, cause scarring, inflammation and breathing problems.

Who can contract asbestosis?
Research has shown that most people who become ill from asbestos are those who have been exposed to it over a long period of time. This would most commonly be in an occupation where they are working with asbestos. For instance, research has shown that some of the occupations associated with asbestos where the symptoms of mesothelioma have surfaced later to name a few are: Plastering, plumbers, electricians, teachers, welders, excavators, painters, tile setters, insulators, mechanics, pipe fitters, floor coverers, demolition crews, schools, hospitals, warehouses, home demolition, gasket making, glass, rubber and paper making industries.

The symptoms of asbestos exposure?
If you have worked in an occupation that had a high rate of asbestos exposure then you may be at risk of developing an asbestos related disease although the symptoms may not appear for many years after exposure. The main symptoms of asbestosis are -
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss

One of the diseases caused by asbestos exposure?
Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor involving the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs or abdominal organs. The most common places where malignant mesothelioma is found are in the pleural and peritoneal regions of the body. The pleura is the thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity, while the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen is the peritoneal. Plueral mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura and often referred to as lung cancer. Less common is peritoneal mesothelioma which is a cancer of the peritoneum which is the lining of the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen.
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For more detailed information on other asbestos related diseases, symptoms and various treatment options for mesothelioma and lung cancer visit Asbestos Hazards.com