Asbestos is a mineral fiber commonly used in insulation. When damaged, asbestos microfibers can become airborne and inhaled into the lungs where they cause serious health conditions and diseases. In the United States, about 10,000 people die each year due to asbestos-related diseases, according to the American Lung Association.
Lung Cancer
This form of cancer occurs in the tissue of the lungs; typically in the cells lining the air passages. There are two types of lung cancer, small cell and non-small cell, which are diagnosed by the way they look under a microscope. The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 220,000 new cases and almost 160,000 deaths resulting from lung cancer in 2009.
Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium; a thin lining of tissue which covers internal organs like the heart and lungs. Mesothelioma is classified into four categories, depending on where the cancer affects the mesothelium.
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in tissue surrounding the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining surrounding the heart. Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma occurs in the lining surrounding the testicles. According to the National Cancer Institute, between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma each year.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious, noncancerous disease of the lungs. When the asbestos fibers are inhaled, they cause scarring in the lung tissue which restricts the oxygen from getting into the blood. According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven people who have asbestosis end up getting lung cancer.
Pleural Disease
Pleural disease affects the pleura lining; which is the outer lining of the mesothelium that covers the lungs. Pleural disease can be characterized by four types or conditions: Pleural plaques are smooth white bumps on the pleura, pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, pneumothorax is a collapsed lung and pleural effusions are abnormal build-ups of fluids in the pleura.
Warning
Consult a physician if you have a history of exposure to asbestos, are smoking or a combination of both. According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking can increase the likelihood of lung cancer especially if there's a history of prolonged exposure to asbestos.
