Many people are exposed to asbestos during their life. Asbestos may be found in walls and ceiling insulation, vinyl flooring, home appliances and clothing. Asbestos has commonly been used to create fire-retardant homes, yet, despite its major use during the mid-1900s, has been known to cause health problems.
Researchers and physicians have found asbestos can cause lung cancer – labeling asbestos as a public health concern that may have affected millions of people. While lung cancer is commonly seen in victims of asbestos exposure, there may be other medical problems caused by asbestos. Here’s what you should know:
Airborne asbestos can affect numerous bodily systems
Asbestos is a natural mineral that, when inhaled from airborne particles, will cause tiny fibers to build up in the lungs, which may cause lung cancer. It may take years before the effects of asbestos exposure become apparent, but a person’s health may still deteriorate over time. A person may experience other health issues because of asbestos exposure:
- Mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer
- Colon cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Asbestosis
- Atelectasis
Mesothelioma: an extremely deadly cancer
Another form of cancer that may be found in people exposed to asbestos is malignant mesothelioma. This type of cancer is known to be extremely deadly and spread widely throughout the body. There are four types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Testicular mesothelioma
These diseases may be hard to pronounce and even harder to understand, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeking reparations for being exposed to asbestos. If you recently discovered your health has been hurt from asbestos exposure, then you may need to seek legal counsel to provide you with your options.