While asbestos is commonly known for its association with various cancers, it also poses significant risks in the form of non-cancerous diseases.
Widely used for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos has left a lasting impact on individuals exposed to its fibers in the form of serious medical conditions.
These may not be as well-known as mesothelioma, but they’re still terrible
Not everybody develops the same medical conditions after asbestos exposure, nor do they develop it on the same schedule. While mesothelioma and asbestosis are cancers that come from asbestos exposure, victims also may suffer from a variety of non-cancerous diseases. These include:
- Asbestosis: Among the non-cancerous diseases linked to asbestos exposure, asbestosis stands out as a chronic lung condition. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to inflammation and scarring of the lungs, causing breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest tightness. Asbestosis is a progressive condition that manifests long after exposure, affecting the quality of life for those who have been in contact with asbestos.
- Pleuritis: Asbestos exposure may lead to pleuritis, characterized by inflammation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs. While not cancerous, pleuritis results in pain and discomfort during breathing as the inflamed pleura rub against each other. This condition highlights the respiratory impact of asbestos exposure beyond the realm of cancer.
Asbestos was once seen as a perfectly safe, natural product – useful for everything from book covers to children’s toys. It’s still used much more commonly in certain industries than many people realize, and it’s still just as dangerous. If you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, you have every right to explore all legal options for compensation.