There are a number of associated risks with asbestos exposure. The most common risks of asbestos exposure that are known to both the legal and medical fields are lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. However, a number of health problems can come up after prolonged exposure to asbestos. The EPA has just released the first part of a Final Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, and officials are saying that asbestos poses “unreasonable risks” to both consumers and bystanders that are exposed to it.
While anyone exposed to asbestos can suffer health risks, there are some industries such as the military and construction industries, that are at a greater risk of asbestos-related health problems. Find out everything you need to know about asbestos exposure risks here, and the steps you need to take if you get an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Health Conditions Related to Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure happens when a person that is around asbestos breathes asbestos fibers in. That is the only way that asbestos can enter the body. Unfortunately, the body is not able to eliminate asbestos the way it can other foreign or toxic substances. So this chemical when ingested causes scar tissue and inflammation, which eventually turns into a health problem.
The most common health conditions related to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma: Rare cancer that can impact the lungs, stomach, or testicles.
• Asbestosis: This is a lung condition that includes chronic breathing and coughing symptoms.
• Lung Cancer: The lining in the lungs is where mesothelioma grows, lung cancer is cancer on the actual lung tissue.
• Ovarian cancer: There is some research that has linked some cosmetic talk containing asbestos exposure to ovarian cancer.
Asbestos exposure can happen anywhere. Those with the highest risk of being diagnosed with one of these conditions have likely been exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time. Sometimes that can happen if you live in an old home that used asbestos for construction. A lot of mesothelioma cases come from industry-related asbestos exposure.
Industries Impacted by Mesothelioma
There are a number of industries that experience higher rates of asbestos.
• Military: Some reports indicate that as many as 1 out of 3 mesothelioma deaths are caused by military exposure to the chemical between 1920 and 2000.
• Power plants: This is another common industry risk, particularly for workers that were in power plants before the year 2000.
• Oil refineries: Asbestos is both heat and oil resistant, which is why it was so useful in construction and in oil refineries in its day. Now that we know it is dangerous, much of this use has stopped, but the health problems remain.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, this is not the end of the road. Take the steps you need to take to feel in control of your life again.
Seek Expert Help After a Diagnosis
Any asbestos-related diagnosis is scary, but you are not alone. Once you have confirmed your mesothelioma or asbestos-related diagnosis, make a treatment plan and learn more about your health problem. Next, talk to your family and friends and be sure that you know who you can trust to be there with you through this diagnosis.
Lastly, seek expert help in the legal field as well. If you have an illness that is related to asbestos exposure, you may be eligible for compensation for these damages. A lawyer that deals specifically with mesothelioma can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. You didn’t choose this. You are not alone.
