Asbestos is a needle-like mineral which was used widely in construction and many industries for its heat-insulating properties until the 1970s. Since then, its use has largely declined because it is easily aerosolized and inhaled, and has been found to pose a number of occupational and environmental health risks. Once inhaled, asbestos remains in the lungs for life, and exposure has been linked to diseases of the lungs and other organs, many of which may take years to emerge.
Asbestosis
Long-term exposure to inhalation of asbestos may cause a non-cancerous destruction of lung tissue known as asbestosis, in which fibrous scar tissue develops around the lung tissue, limiting the ability of the lungs to inflate and exchange air. Asbestosis is most commonly seen in workers of occupations such as pipe fitting, ship building, commercial and home construction, and auto repair where asbestos fibers may have been inhaled over a long period of time. It is characterized by coughing, shortness of breath and dry crackles in the lungs. As of 2010, there is no known treatment for asbestosis, but many patients may need supplemental oxygen.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is also seen most often in those with long-term occupational exposure. There are two basic types of asbestos-related cancer: small-cell lung cancer and non small-cell lung cancer. Smoking increases the risk for the development of lung cancer from asbestos exposure. Symptoms related to bleeding in the lungs may include coughing, chest pain, bloody sputum, hoarseness and anemia. Like any lung cancer, asbestos lung cancer is treated through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, depending on the specific location, type and severity of the cancer.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a type of asbestos-related cancer that develops in the pleura, or lining, around the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by long-term exposure or acute asbestos inhalation, and often does not appear for 30 or more years after exposure. It is thought to be more common with acute environmental exposure such as building demolition or deposit disturbance, including natural disasters and road construction through areas with natural asbestos deposits. Malignant pleural mesothelioma has an extremely poor prognosis, but when possible, is treated with radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, along with newer experimental therapies.
Mesothelioma of Other Systems
Less common than pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma can occur in body systems other than the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a malignancy that develops in the lining of the abdomen, while pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart. Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are directly linked to environmental or occupational asbestos exposure, where asbestos fibers have lodged in the lungs and worked their way through the lungs and into surrounding areas. As with pleural mesothelioma, prognosis is poor and treatment options are similar, including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, depending upon the severity and the affected area.
