Asbestos And The Results Of Exposure
(NOTE: This article is meant to be a simple informational piece only. It’s in no way intended to replace the opinion or diagnosis of your doctor.)
Although some people don’t know this compound is a natural substance composed of several different silicate minerals, and is found in places like Africa, Canada – and the U. S. As far back in history as the ancient Greeks, various cultures knew about its flame-retardant properties, and added it to the materials of things like funeral shrouds, and regular clothing – and anything else having a better than fifty-fifty chance of catching fire while near it, or in it. Anything that could save them from catching fire was a miracle to these ancient peoples, to say the least.
Then there’s the flip side of the coin. When damaged the compound breaks apart and becomes airborne, making it easy for someone in close proximity to unwittingly swallow or inhale invisible fibers when they take a breath or speak. Because the body isn’t able to process and expel it like other substances, the fibers that have gotten inside will stay there permanently, and in fact, set up residence somewhere in the linings and cavities of the lungs, heart, or stomach. Where they finally end up in the body, is where the slow devastation begins. The disease progresses over time, and doesn’t always show itself until decades have passed.
As far back as the late 1920s, the medical community tried unsuccessfully, to get the government to pay attention to the dangers of asbestos, and the severe health issues suffered by those exposed to it for repeated lengths of time. Although it was linked to many cases of death, the government didn’t take action until the late 1970s – and then, only when EPA test results finally sounded their alarm.
“Phase-out” campaigns were started, prohibiting new production of certain fiber-containing products used by many in everyday life – hair dryers, brake pads, and many of the building materials used for all types of construction, were just a few on the list.
It’s true that anyone’s health can suffer from normal, everyday exposure to small trace amounts in the environment. However, it’s proved to be more common – and the damages more severe – to those who were exposed repeatedly over time – either at the workplace, or because they’d been a regular occupant in a building in which fibers in its construction had broken apart, and began invisibly polluting the air.
Some of the high-risk workplaces making the health hazard “Top Ten” list include manufacturing plants, abatement and removal companies, and those facilities using it in the building and repairing of ships. Another hazardous environment to be working in – or occupying for any length of time – are the school buildings constructed during the WWII era – considered a high risk due to being built with materials and supplies known to contain the dangerous substance.
Serious illnesses now known to be caused by exposure include, but are not limited to:
Asbestosis – A respiratory condition in which lung tissue first becomes inflamed, then scars over, from accumulated fibers that have been inhaled or swallowed with air. At the start, the condition disables the afflicted person by severely limiting their oxygen intake. Commonly, the person experiences repeated bouts of respiratory distress that eventually leads to respiratory arrest – and they die.
Mesothelioma – In this cancer, it has settled in the lung lining, or mesothelium, and has caused the structure of the tissue to undergo a change – which eventually turns into a malignancy.
Rare peritoneal cancers – Studies have been done showing that some of the less-common types of cancer that can show up in the abdomen, are caused by substances settling in the lining, or cavity of the peritoneal region.
Becoming educated about articles can be about asbestos, and the potential devastation to a body from constant exposure, is something important everyone should think about these days. And it’s especially important to seek medical attention if you, or someone you know, has been exposed to it.
Learn more about asbestos injury lawyers. Visit www.AsbestosInjuryLawyers.com where you can find out all about how to make asbestosis claims and get the compensation you deserve.