How and When Is Asbestos Most Dangerous?
For many years, asbestos was called the “magic mineral.” It’s been mined and used since 2500 B.C. In the 1800s, asbestos use became tremendously popular in industrial applications. From insulating boilers and pipes to being woven into fabric and mixed into talcum powder, this mineral was everywhere. Because it was inexpensive and flame retardant, asbestos became popular in construction material like insulation, roofing, and cement. It took many years to discover it was a dangerous (even deadly) substance.
The Early Signs of Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Some documentation of asbestos risk dates back to the early 1900s. In fact, reports began coming in from all over the world of asbestos workers dying young. But despite health warnings early on, the mineral grew even more popular in construction and other uses. It wasn’t until the 1930s that asbestos was officially linked with cancers like mesothelioma.
Still, its use continued to skyrocket, peaking in the late 1970s. By this time, the US government began passing legislatures limiting the use of asbestos. In 2005, asbestos was banned in many
European countries. The United States closed its asbestos mine and drastically limited the use of asbestos, but it’s still not banned.
What Kinds of Illness Does Asbestos Cause?
There are many illnesses associated with asbestos exposure. When exposed, tiny fibers that make up asbestos travel through the air and into the lungs. When it’s “friable,” meaning it can easily be crumbled by hand, it’s most hazardous. Repeated exposure allows these fibers to build up in lungs, leading to any number of conditions:
Pleural plaque or pleural effusion – the thickening of the lung and diaphragm tissue, or buildup of liquid. It usually has no side effects, but may show up on X-rays. It can also be an early symptom of cancer.
- Asbestosis – scarring of the lung tissue. This condition greatly increases cancer risks, especially for smokers.
- Lung cancer. Lung cancer has been scientifically linked to asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma – cancer of the pleura (the tissue around the lungs and/or diaphragm).
- There have been some cases of cancer of the abdominal lining caused by asbestos.
Many people are still dealing with the fallout of using asbestos in the 1970s. Exposure can occur when razing a building that once has asbestos. It can even occur in areas that have high asbestos in the soil.
What Are the Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Cancers?
Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis are nearly identical to those of other lung diseases. Unfortunately, asbestos-related cancer can be hard to detect because of this, in addition to the fact that symptoms can be mild, even in later stages. Early symptoms of asbestos-related cancer include:
Coughing, wheezing, or other respiratory issues
- Anemia
- Fever
- Pleural Effusions
- Chest pains
- Muscle Weakness
As the disease progresses, symptoms can get more severe, but not always. Respiratory complications, chest pain, and weight loss are some of the most common symptoms of advanced asbestos related cancer. Unfortunately, because these symptoms are often mild, many people don’t discover they have cancer until well into the later stages. It’s not uncommon that by the time the cancer is discovered, it’s difficult or even impossible to treat.
San Diego Asbestos Exposure Attorneys
People with asbestos-related cancers often seek compensation through personal injury attorneys.
At Liljegren Law Group in San Diego, we represent asbestos cancer victims and their families. Whether you or someone you love has been exposed at work or at home, we’ll help. We fight for our clients just as we’d fight for our own families. We’ll work to get you the compensation you need for medical bills and quality of life. Call us today for more information.
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