At one time, the producers of siding and roofing products added asbestos to give their products more strength, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. However, when health risks associated with asbestos were discovered in the early 1980s, companies began to phase out use of the material. Asbestos is made up of fibers that are long and fine and were used in fireproofing and insulation products. When inhaled, these small asbestos fibers become a danger to your health and can lead to diseases that are life-threatening. It often takes many years for signs and symptoms of asbestos related diseases to appear.
Difficulty Breathing
When asbestos is inhaled, the tiny fibers can become stuck inside of the delicate tissues of the lungs. These fibers damage the lungs by causing fibrous, thick plaques or severe scar tissue to develop inside the lungs. Once this takes place, you may begin to wheeze or have significant problems breathing, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. If asbestos fibers become lodged in the lungs, you may find it hard to perform menial tasks, like walking around the house, without gasping for air or breathing extremely heavily. Untreated, the effects get worse over time and may cause you to stop breathing completely.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare condition in which tumors appear in the lining of the abdomen, chest and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the tumor appears in the lining of the lung, it is called malignant pleural mesothelioma, and this usually leads to death. There is a strong link between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor when discussing the development of mesothelioma. The disease may take as many as 40 years to develop after the initial exposure. Those who are exposed to asbestos at a young age are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Clubbing of the Fingers
When your limbs lack oxygen for a period of time, clubbing of the fingers may occur. The clubbing occurs because the blood vessels in the fingers begin to expand in an attempt to receive more oxygen. According to MedlinePlus, clubbing is a condition that causes the skin underneath your fingernails to thicken. Clubbing is most frequently associated with asbestos related lung disease.
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