Asbestos is a building material made of magnesium silicate mineral fiber. It is normally not used for building anymore, as it has been deemed a health hazard. However, it is still present in many old buildings, such as homes, schools and businesses. During renovation of older buildings, the asbestos filling in walls and other areas may be disturbed; the fibers will then enter the air. Anyone working in or living in a building under renovation may be breathing in air filled with minute asbestos fibers. This may increase the risk of disease later in life, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It may take two to three decades for illnesses to develop after asbestos exposure.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer may develop from asbestos exposure. The EPA states that the risk for lung cancer is higher if the person also smokes. When a malignant tumor forms in the lung, it may impede airflow. Patients with lung cancer may have the following symptoms: chest pain, coughing, spewing up blood, wheezing while breathing and difficulty breathing.
Other Cancers
Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk for cancers of the brain, bladder, colorectal, esophagus, larynx, stomach and kidney. However, the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry notes that the link to asbestos is not as certain with these cancers as it is with lung cancer.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is also linked to exposure to asbestos. In this disease, the lungs are damaged when they are scarred by fibrous tissue. Patients may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and a lack of desire for food. The lungs become irritated, and this hinders breathing capacity. Asbestosis is a progressive disease; it may get worse as time passes. As the lungs become more inflamed, oxygen and carbon dioxide are not able to easily move through the lungs. This disease typically occurs 10 or more years after exposure to asbestos. It can be fatal.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. This disease may occur after long-term exposure to asbestos. It occurs in the chest lining, around the perimeter of the lungs, or in the abdomen.
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