Asbestos exists as six unique, naturally occurring silicate-based minerals, all of which are dangerously toxic to human beings and considered carcinogenic, as cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos was utilized in ancient times, but it was not until the late 1800s that asbestos became commonly used by builders and manufacturers. Asbestos is resistant to heat, fire, electricity and many chemicals, and demonstrates excellent tensile strength and insulating properties. Asbestos was commonly used in shingles, tiles, cement, car brakes and heat-resistant fabrics. Asbestos exposure, especially by inhaling its fibers, is considered dangerous and causes a range of negative effects to the lungs.
Malignant and Benign Lung Cancers
The National Cancer Institute considers asbestos carcinogenic to people and states that scientific studies have concluded that asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, both malignant and benign types. With exposure and inhalation, asbestos fibers become lodged in the lungs, where they cause irritation, inflammation and alteration of cellular division. Asbestos induced lung cancer usually begins in the bronchial linings, although the trachea, bronchioles and alveoli are also susceptible. Malignant lung cancer is the most dangerous because it spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
The chances of developing asbestos induced lung cancer are greatly enhanced by cigarette smoking. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, when cigarette smokers are exposed to asbestos, their risk of developing lung cancer increases by 50 to 84 times. Further, the longer and the higher amount of exposure to asbestos, the greater the odds of lung cancer.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is cancer of the membranes and tissues inside the chest and abdomen, and is the most common cancer associated with asbestos exposure, according to The National Cancer Institute. The most common form of mesothelioma is of the pleural linings that cover the outside of the lung, which occurs in about 70 percent of cases. Mesothelioma sometimes does not develop until many years after exposure, which proves difficult for establishing cause and effect. Mesothelioma does not always produce overt symptoms in its initial stages, but advanced forms can produce thoracic spine pain, chest tightness and pain, difficulty with deep breaths, shortness of breath, chronic coughing with blood in sputum, night sweats, lumps in the front of the chest and difficulty swallowing, as cited on Asbestos.com.
Asbestosis and Other Dangers
Inhalation of asbestos fibers also causes asbestosis, which is an inflammatory lung condition in response to the fiber deposits. According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms of asbestosis are similar to mesothelioma and include shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest, coughing and permanent lung damage due to scarring. Asbestosis is classified as a type of pulmonary fibrosis, often taking years to develop, and is considered as a potential precursor to lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Other lung and pleural conditions can develop due to asbestos exposure, such as pleural membrane plaques, pleural membrane thickening and pleural tissue effusions, which is water between the tissue layers.
Other forms of cancer are possible from asbestos exposure, according to The National Cancer Institute, and include gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as elevated risks for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus and gallbladder.
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