Leading Cause Of Lung Cancer
It is a very well known fact that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the world. It's responsible for approximately 80% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States.
When tobacco smoke is inhaled, the chemicals that make up that smoke enter the lungs and can cause changes in the DNA of cells that line the lungs. Over time, these changes can lead to the development of cancer. The longer a person smokes, the higher their risk of developing lung cancer. However, even individuals who smoke only a few cigarettes a day can still develop the disease.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral used in the construction of buildings, production of clothes, and electronic appliances. It has some amazing properties like heat & fire resistance, it's anti-corrosion, and is not a good conductor of electricity. That being said, it is highly carcinogenic; meaning it causes fatal cancer (mesothelioma) just like smoking. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs, leading to scarring, inflammation, and then develops into cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asbestos exposure is responsible for over 100,000 deaths worldwide every year.
Smoking And Mesothelioma
When compared to asbestos exposure, the risk of developing lung cancer is much higher for smokers. Though smoking on its own does not directly lead to mesothelioma, but it combined with asbestos exposure is one of the leading cases for the disease. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure can irritate the lungs in multiple ways, resulting in a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. This can be attributed to the below mentioned factors:-
- Smoking can weaken lung tissues, this creates an environment where asbestos fibers can more easily get trapped inside the lungs.
- Smoking can cause an increase in mucus production, which decreases the body's ability to cleanse the lungs of irritants.
- Even non-smokers who have been exposed to asbestos can still develop lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
So in conclusion, asbestos exposure is a serious health risk, that can be just as deadly as smoking. It's important for individuals have been exposed to asbestos, to seek medical attention and undergo regular screenings for lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
Moreover, efforts to prevent asbestos exposure in the workplace and in the environment must continue to be a priority, to protect public health.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, it's important to contact professionals. There are extreme risks involved in the handling of toxic materials like asbestos insulation, and this task should only be done by trained asbestos contractors. The specialists at RidAway operate in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations to ensure your asbestos abatement project is handled safely and swiftly.
