Asbestosis Lawyer

Because asbestos lung diseases take a long time to manifest, it can be difficult to ascertain if the ailment was in fact caused by the exposure. For this reason, it is essential for people who are exposed to asbestos to understand the diseases that it can cause and the symptoms as well.

Facts about Asbestos

It is a type of magnesium silicate used in a multitude of applications. It is utilized in construction, mining and ship construction.

The Lung Disease Variants

The lung ailments can be classified into three types. They are lung cancer, asbestosis and disease of the lining of the lung (pleura). The disease of the lung lining (known as pleura) is caused by an inflammation, thickening and calcification of the tissues.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis occurs when the asbestos fibers go into the lungs. The fibers stick to the lungs and scar it, leading to all sorts of health complications.

The indicators of this asbestos lung disease are shortness of breath, coughing (in severe cases coughing with blood) and pain in the lower / upper back. This ailment may result in fibrosis or the hardening of the lungs.

Many people with asbestosis occur 15 years after being exposed. However there are cases wherein the disease takes place sooner. This lessens the oxygen taken in by the lungs.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs among individuals with prolonged asbestos exposure. The chances of lung cancer developing go even higher if the person is a smoker. Statistics from the World Health Organization show that more people die of lung cancer in the US than any other cancer variant.

Benign Pleural Effusion

This is a condition wherein liquids accumulate in the lungs following asbestos exposure. It usually takes ten years before this condition manifests but it may occur sooner too. Sometimes the condition may appear and disappear over a period of several years.

Pleural Plaques

These may appear in the lungs of people with extended asbestos exposure. An examination will show thickening patches present on the chest walls. The plaques also appear at the membranes encompassing the lungs. However, it takes a while before these patches manifest on x-rays.

People at Risk

The diseases associated with asbestos take decades before they appear. On the average, asbestos caused cancer will appear 20 years after exposure. Those who are at risk are people who work in mines, mills, factories and automotive repair.

Others who may be at risk are people who clean and handle asbestos. Many patients with these diseases were exposed while boiler making, pipefitting, construction and those who launder asbestos laden clothing and material.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

This ailment often occurs among construction workers with protracted asbestos exposure. This cancer occurs within the pleural cells that encompass the lungs. Oftentimes this cancer becomes a malignant growth.

Asbestos lung diseases can be difficult to treat. Like other cancers, the treatments available are used for slowing the disease progression. In many cases the condition is fatal. However, people who become afflicted with this disease due to work can file a case against their employer and get compensation.

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