Asbestos exposure is the underlying cause of many serious maladies. People sometimes develop mesothelioma or lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. Many people eventually die because of the cancers that asbestos can cause.
Others develop chronic health conditions as a result of exposure. For example, asbestosis is a respiratory disease that occurs in those exposed to asbestos. It causes a host of respiratory symptoms. People see their doctors reporting shortness of breath, a dry cough, chest pain, a loss of appetite, crackling noises from the lungs while breathing or clubbed fingernails and toes. Clubbing occurs when fingertips and toes become rounder and wider.
Who is at risk of developing asbestosis?
Those with workplace exposure
The people with the highest degree of asbestos-related health risks are those who directly handle asbestos. People in professions ranging from shipbuilders and manufacturing employees to mechanics and construction professionals may have handled asbestos at work. These individuals may eventually develop significant medical challenges because of their workplace asbestos exposure.
Those who experienced secondhand exposure
Anyone who lives with someone who works with asbestos could also develop illnesses like asbestosis. Research has shown that only a small amount of exposure is sufficient to sicken some people. Spouses, children and even roommates of those who handle asbestos could eventually develop asbestosis or other diseases. Those who had secondhand exposure typically have the same rights as those with primary exposure through employment. It may simply be more of a challenge to prove who exposed them to asbestos.
Learning more about secondhand asbestos exposure and asbestosis may benefit those who have recently developed concerning respiratory symptoms.