What is Asbestos?
ASBESTOS is a highly dangerous mineral that occurs naturally! It is all good things like heat, electricity, fire, resistant, and non-corrosive until it also proves to be cancer causing! The good qualities mentioned above make it a great choice for commercial and industrial applications but its exposure proves to be harmful for humans.
Asbestos is now illegal, but as a mineral which has been in use since many years now is likely to be found in many houses, workplaces, commercial buildings and sometimes also in the things we use on a day-to-day basis. If things (walls, roof, brake pads, etc.) containing asbestos comes in contact with a person, they could be exposed to some serious diseases that could prove malignant in the long run.
Health Risks of Asbestos
Once the asbestos fibers are released into the air, they break down into tiny particles. These tiny particles then become airborne and on inhalation, settle in the lungs or chest cavity, causing scarring and inflammation in the short term but serious health issues in the long run. Furthermore, some tiny particles can also be swallowed and can enter the stomach, making it difficult for our body to flush them out due to their needle-like structure.
Let’s take a look at four serious diseases caused by asbestos exposure
Mesothelioma
It is a rare cancer caused by either inhaling or swallowing asbestos. 20-60 years of asbestos exposure can cause tumors in the lining of lungs, heart, testes, or abdomen. Although treatments are available to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life, sadly there is no cure for mesothelioma. Life expectancy of mesothelioma patients is roughly around 12 - 21 months. Fundamental symptoms of malignant mesothelioma comprise chest pain, shortness of breath and dry cough. Tumor location determines the four types of mesothelioma. Pleural (lungs), Peritoneal (abdomen), Pericardial (heart), Testicular (vagina or testes)
Ovarian cancer
While there is a strong relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma, there have also been implications that this harmful material can be linked to ovarian cancer. Evidence has shown that there is indeed an interconnection between asbestos exposure and the development of ovarian cancer. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) believes that there is sufficient evidence to link ovarian cancer to asbestos.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a relatively rare disease that affects the larynx (vocal cords). It is basically cancer of the vocal cords. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of laryngeal cancer by approximately 40%. Studies have depicted that smoking and drinking, either alone or in combination, can contribute to the buildup of asbestos in the lining of the vocal cords.
As the famous saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure’, asbestos exposure can be prevented by noticing the signs such as tears and abrasions on the walls and roof. Upon finding such signs, the first and the best thing to do is to contact professionals. Experts at RidAway can help with restoring homes and commercial spaces and make it safe for habitation.
