Are You Aware of All The Health Risks Associated With Asbestos?

Asbestos fibers are present in many different materials because they were used widely in construction and manufacturing in the last century before the health risks associated with asbestos were known about. This means that those in certain professions in Ohio such as the construction industry could have been exposed to asbestos without knowing. It’s also possible to be exposed to asbestos when conducting home renovations, particularly because asbestos used to be present in insulation.

If you or a loved one is suffering from health issues and you believe that it could be related to asbestos exposure, it is important that you take the time to understand the wide range of health issues that asbestos exposure can cause. The following are some of the most commonly known health effects of asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that is defined by scar tissue forming in the lungs. This scar-like tissue is formed as a result of asbestos exposure, and it reduces the elasticity of the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, a cough, and reduced lung function. 

Lung cancer

The risk of lung cancer is increased among those who have been exposed to asbestos. The risk of developing lung cancer due to asbestos depends on a number of factors, including the age at which the exposure occurred, the type of asbestos the person was exposed to, the level and duration of the exposure, and the tobacco-smoking history of the exposed person.

Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the organs, most commonly in the lungs or stomach. It is most often reported in those who have had primary or secondary exposure to asbestos.

If you or a loved one is suffering from health problems that could be attributed to asbestos, it is important that you take action to understand your options to make an injury claim.